Alighieri, Dante — La Vita Nova

Torino, Tipografico-Editrice Nazionale, 1911. First Edition Thus. Softcover. Size: 8vo 8" - 9" tall. A superlative copy, relatively scarce in this state (First Edition Thus, augmented with the illustrations of Dante Gabriele Rossetti) and condition, being Near Fine and seemingly having been held tenderly if at all. Bound in full vellum boards, decorated with flourishes and titled at cover "Dantis Amor" illustrated on unrolled scroll, with a delightful initial "D." Bright red double-ruling along edges, and scroll is bordered by a red illustration, presumably and that is reproduced as frontis matter. Opposite title page is the original Latin inscription from the true First Edition, as follows: Hanc Editionem Antonius Agresti de Arte Praeraphaelistica Instruxit Praefationibus ROchus Carlucci Quam Maxime Ornavit Diligenter Marcus de Rubris Curavii." Chamois ties, three severed, one present and laid in, one in its original state. The plates have been collated against another complete set and are complete, including monochromatic and duotone, tissue guards present where they are supposed to be. A fetching bookplate inside front flap denoting that it came from the library of Helen Ames. Waffly text-block, but signs of neither odor nor dampness. Else and withal, an exceptional copy of a scarce work. The illustrations are stark and arresting and call Gustave Dore to mind. xlii + 113 pp.Member, I.O.B.A., C.B.A., and adherent to the highest ethical standards. . . . Very Good