Arioste

1823 · réf. 343 — Florence Italy Firenze: Presso Giuseppe Molini 1823. Contemporary fine vellum. Very Good. The most celebrated epic poem of the Italian Renaissance in beautiful contemporary fine vellum binding. Condition: VG or better. Complete. BOOK INFO Published in 1823 by Giuseppe Molini in Florence Italy. Complete in two volumes. In the original Italian. Bound in contemporary to near contemporary fine full vellum. Boards with single fillet gilt paneling. Spine with compartments ornately ruled and tooled in gilt gilt-lettered black morocco label in compartment two. Sextodecimo 16mo 5.25" x 3". Collated and complete: vi xxxvii 1 699 1 errata; iv 727 1 printer monogram. Engraved second title page and frontispiece in each volume. ABOUT THE AUTHOR & WORK Ludovico Ariosto 1474 - 1533 was an Italian poet. He is best known as the author of the romance epic Orlando Furioso 1516-1532. The poem a continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo's Orlando Innamorato describes the adventures of Charlemagne Orlando and the Franks as they battle against the Saracens with diversions into many side plots. The poem is transformed into a satire of the chivalric tradition. Ariosto composed the poem in the ottava rima rhyme scheme and introduced narrative commentary throughout the work. Ariosto also coined the term 'humanism' for choosing to focus upon the strengths and potential of humanity rather than only upon its role as subordinate to God. This led to Renaissance humanism. The story is a chivalric romance which stemmed from a tradition beginning in the Late Middle Ages and continuing in popularity in the 16th century and well into the 17th. Orlando is the Christian knight known in French and English as Roland. The story takes place against the background of the war between Charlemagne's Christian paladins and the Saracen army that has invaded Europe and is attempting to overthrow the Christian empire. CONDITION REPORT: Very Good or better. Exterior and binding; firm hinges and joints tight pages slight bowing of boards sharp corners. Minimal rubbing. Soiling and aging of vellum. Slightly sunned spines. Top edge darkened per usual. Presents beautifully. Interior: Pages are bright and white. Mostly light and scattered foxing heaviest near engravings and at text block extremities. Evidence of handling: bent corners creasing an occasional smudge. A few leaves with marginal insect nibbling or some slight paper loss not affecting text. Abrasion mark to front pastedown in Vol. I. No writing ex libris marks or former owner bookplates. All in all a lovely set of Orlando Furioso volumes in exquisite fine full vellum. . Presso Giuseppe Molini unknown