Il pastor fido, tragicomedia pastorale [...], dedicata al serenissimo D. Carlo Emanuele, duca di Savoia, &c. [...]. Hora in questa impressione corretto, & di vaghe figure ornato.

12mo: 240 pp. (sl. brown., a few sm. ink stains).

Contemp. embroidered binding, ivory silk covers orn. with 2 different central designs (a shepherdess and a soldier), both inscribed in a larger pink, light blue and metal threads setting (edges somewhat worn), metal sequins on flat spine (joints sl. worn), a.e.g., housed in a brown leather cigar case. Good copy.

New and rather early ed. of this famous pastoral tragi-comedy, first performed in Turin to celebrate the nuptials of the Duke of Savoy and Catharine of Austria in 1585 (1st ed. Venice 1590). The work became immensely popular and appeared in over a hundred editions following its first publication, in both the original Italian and the other principal European languages. Illustrated with 5 charming wood engraved headpieces. Some unobtrusive underlinings and ms. marg. notes. Uncommon edition, in a nice and still fresh embroidered binding, matching with the plot. Ref. D.H. Thomas, An annotated checklist of editions of the works of Battista Guarini, p. 35, 1606, 4, on line, www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf.../Guarini-4.pdf. - N. Bingen, Philausone (1500-1660), 319 (= Arbour 4554, Michel, IV, p. 92). - Bn-Opale plus.- Not in COPAC. Prov. Old ms. ownership entry "J. Cailly" on title and last p. - [Georges Petit].