Prato: Dalla Tipografia di Luigi Vannini 1823. Vellum. Very Good. 6.5" by 4". None. A delightful vellum-bound complete collection of the writings of Metastasio in the original Italian language illustrated with engraved plates. Peitro Metastasio was an Italian poet and librettist active during the eighteenth century widely considered the most important writer of opera seria libretti. His writings inluded 'Ezio' 'Demetrio' 'L'Olimpiade' 'Catone in Utica' 'La clemenza di Tito' 'Il trionfo di Clelia' and 'Didone abbandonata' with composders including Domenico Sarro Francesco Feo and Leonardo Vinci.Volume I is illustrated with a frontispiece portrait of the author and four engraved plates. Volume II is illustrated with eight plates volume III with eight volume IV with five volume V with four volume VI with three and volume VII with two.Fourteen volumes bound as seven. In the original Italian language.Bound in lovely full vellum with gilt spines and calf spine labels. In a full vellum binding. Externally generally smart; some slight rubbing more noticeable to the spine label of vol XIII and to the head of volume VII. Otherwise minor wear to the heads and tails of the spines; boards have the odd mark. Very Good Dalla Tipografia di Luigi Vannini hardcover