Barduzzi, Bernardino

A LETTER IN PRAISE OF VERONA [1489]. In the original Latin text with an English translation by Betty Radice. Postscript [in English] by Giovanni Mardersteig.

Pp. 56(last blank)+[2](colophon), printed in red, blue & black, 3 coloured text decorations (including a large initial), 2 full page tinted drawings of an inscription by Felice Feliciano; roy. 8vo; qr. vellum, blue patterned papered boards, spine lettered in gilt; t.e.g., others uncut; within a blue card slipcase, edges and spine faded; book label of David Levine, Sydney, on upper pastedown; Officina Bodoni, Verona, 1974. Edition limited to 150 numbered copies on handmade paper. Barr 94. *With the original prospectus (including a sample page) loosely inserted. Barduzzi was a Florentine theologian who visited Verona to preach there. His letter to fellow Franciscan Joannes Nesci is a rare fifteenth century description of an Italian town, and only two copies of the 1489 original survive. Originally printed without decorations, the coloured ornaments in this edition are copied from manuscripts written in the 1460s by Felice Feliciano, one of the most important calligraphers of the time. Item #162789

Price: $600.00