Luigi Pulci — IL Morgante Maggiore

Venezia [Venice], Nella Stamperia Palese, 1794. Leather. A four-volume set of Luigi Pulci's famous romantic epic poem Morgante, also referred to as Il Morgante Maggiore, in paper vellum bindings. A four volume set in paper vellum bindings, with decorative gilt to the spines. Ink inscription to the front paste downs of all volumes, and to the title page of volume I. Morgante, sometimes referred to as Il Morgante Maggiore (the Major Morgante), is a 28-canto, 30,080-line romantic epic poem by Italian poet and diplomat Luigi Pulci (1432-1484), originally published in 1483. The work was commissioned by Lucrezia Tornabuoni, an Italian noblewoman, who was the wife of, and political advisor to, Piero di Cosimo de' Medici. It was read at the Medicis' court, where the audience appreciated the funny characters, partly drawn from epic tradition. This four-volume edition is written in the original Italian. In paper vellum bindings. Externally smart, though somewhat soiled, as is usual with vellum. Small losses to the spine labels, not affecting the lettering. Internally, firmly bound. The odd spot and some offsetting throughout the pages. Very Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good .