I marmi del Doni, academico peregrino [...].

4 parts in one vol., 8vo: 167-[1], 119-[1], 166-[2], 93-[3] pp. (title underlaid restoring an important lack, lower margins of the 3 following ff. with loss of text repaired, sm. holes in lower margin of p. 9, dampstaining throughout, most pp. with moulding, occ. ms. marginalia, cut short sometimes, occ. foxing, sm. holes in pp. 53 and 87 pt. IV, strong staining on p. 57 pt. IV, lower corners missing in last quire).

17th-c. mottled sheep, gilt-orn. spine with raised bands, spr. edges (wormholes on spine and wormtrack on first cover, head missing, sl. rubbing).

First edition of imaginary dialogues the author, transformed in bird, would have heard from Florentines, including members of the Accademia dei Pellegrini, gathering on the marmi (i.e. the steps) of the Duomo of Florence. Among the subjects disscussed, the value of printing (Gutenberg is named as inventor on p. 7 of 2nd part), the Moses of Michelangelo, dialogue of two "pazzi" on astrology, ignorance to the Ancients, on translators, composers, on a woman who claimed superiority with a man, etc. Illustrated by Marcolini with 44 woodcuts (incl. 3 repeats) among these 5 portraits of i.a. Petrarca and Aretino, 4 full-pages of "Truth" at end of each part for which Marcolini is particularly known, and 4 large vignettes on each titles. The 4th part is followed with a sort of prospectus for the next publication "Inferni" by Doni. Numerous ornamental borders and initials. The translator, publisher and man of letters Doni (1513-1574), was one of the founder of the Accademia dei Pellegrini.
Ref. Mortimer, Italian, 165. - EDIT16 17692. - Adams D-824. - Gamba 1368. - STC Italy 225.
Prov. From De Buisson 1715 (ex dono). - Bought in Marseille in 1856 (ms. note).