Scritti Scelti inedita or Rari. Con Nuove Memorie della Sua Vita.
Milano: Per G. B. Bianchi e C., 1822-23. Item #1312 Two volumes. 8vo. 220 x 145 mm., [8 ¾ x 5 ¾ inches]. 410 pp; 407 pp., plus 1 p. errata. Illustrated with an aquatint portrait after an engraving by Joshus Reynolds, signed Sergent Marçean. Bound in original rose colored paper wrappers; some very minor age discoloration to the wrappers, very minor browning to the edges of the preliminary leaves of the text block. Near fine copy. Edited by with an introduction and biography of Baretti (1719-1789) by Pietro Custodi, the Italian patriot, writer, and editor who in addition to this work, compiled an anthology of Italian economists from the 17th and 18th centuries. The first volume begins with a catalogue of Baretti’s works which runs 30 pages. This is followed by the life of the author based on archival information, especially important for those years when he was living in Italy in the 1740’s, the late 1750’s and 1760’s. Especially important for documentation of Baretti’s banishments and legal difficulties. Custodi is also careful to include biographical information on Baretti’s time in London and his relationship with the major authors of the period, including Samuel Johnson. This is followed by Baretti’s writings on the nature of Italian literature and culture from time of the Renaissance to the present day. Baretti’s letters describing London and English culture are next including his letters on the Revolutionary War between England and the American Colonies. The volume ends with some letters written while traveling in Portugal and some from Padova and Moncalvo. The second volume includes 157 letters to family, friends, and colleagues on all subjects relating to his life, work, travels, and his opinions on the culture and writings of contemporary Italian authors. A final section includes printing of some of his poetical publications. “This edition, which he accompanies with the Memoirs on the Life of Baretti and a well-detailed Catalogue of his Works written in Italian, English and French, is worthy of the good taste and great diligence of Cav. Custodi” (Gamba) Bartolomeo Gamba, Serie dei Testi di Lingua Italiana, no. 1802.
Price: $650.00