I Promessi Sposi. Storia Milanese del Secolo XVII. Signed by Caroline Darwin, with two ALS notes from Mrs R. Vaugan Williams.
by MANZONI, Alessandro
- Used
- Hardcover
- Signed
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
London, London, United Kingdom
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
1827. Paris: Baudry, 1827. Small 8vo., 3 Vols; attractive period binding of half vellum over aqua paste-paper boards; spine decorated in gilt with contrasting red leather label gilt; red speckled edges; pp. [vi], 2-305, [i]; [v], 2-319, [i]; [v], 2-362 [ii]; a lovely set, slightly splayed from the vellum, with some all-over dust soiling, particularly affecting Vol III of the set; a little rubbed, and some light spotting to the prelims, particularly the final few pages of Volume I, and the first and last few of Volume II and III; still a very uptogether set, tightly bound. Provenance: signed by Caroline Darwin, Darwin's sister, to the front paste-down of Volume I. Together with two autograph notes from Ursula Vaughan Williams, wife of the composer who was the great nephew of Charles Darwin. Third Baudry edition, published in the same year as the first Milan edition. The Betrothed, most "famous and widely read novel in the Italian language" (Colquhoun: Manzoni and his Times) was an instant success upon publication. It was originally published on 15 June 1827, after two years of corrections and proof-reading. Upon Manzoni's own insistence, it was initially published in the Lombardic dialect, before being revised for republication in 1842, with the regionalisms removed. No fewer than nine editions subsequently appeared from as many publishers in the first year of publication. A number of these were piracies. This Italian language Paris edition was itself reprinted several times. The association is an interesting one. It seems it was once in the possession of Caroline Darwin, before at some point passing through the Library of the Vaughan Williams'. One note claims: "it belonged to R's grandmother & then his mother. R never read it, I'm afraid." In another, however, she writes: "the only modern novel in Italian Ralph said, that's why it was always given to students!" A fascinating assocation copy of a pinnacle of Italian Literature. In Italy the novel is considered a true masterpiece and a basis for the modern Italian language.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Henry Sotheran Ltd. (GB)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 2114021
- Title
- I Promessi Sposi. Storia Milanese del Secolo XVII. Signed by Caroline Darwin, with two ALS notes from Mrs R. Vaugan Williams.
- Author
- MANZONI, Alessandro
- Book Condition
- Used
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Date Published
- 1827
Terms of Sale
Henry Sotheran Ltd.
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.
About the Seller
Henry Sotheran Ltd.
Biblio member since 2018
London, London
About Henry Sotheran Ltd.
Founded in York in 1761 and established in London on 1815, Henry Sotheran Limited has a long and distinguished history.For over 250 years we have been offering unsurpassed opportunities to collectors. Throughout our history we have prided ourselves on the quality and condition of our books and our friendly service.Our premises just off Piccadilly in the heart of London's West End are spacious and elegantly appointed and we welcome regular clients and passers-by alike to wander in and browse in a relaxing and convivial atmosphere.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Paste-down
- The paste-down is the portion of the endpaper that is glued to the inner boards of a hardback book. The paste-down forms an...
- Vellum
- Vellum is a sheet of specialty prepared skin of lamb, calf, or goat kid used for binding a book or for printing and writing. ...