OFFICINA BODONI. CAVALCANTI, Guido. ~ Le Rime di Cavalcanti.
Edited with an essay by Gianfranco Contini. No. 14 of 175 copies (including 6 on vellum and 4 on japanese vellum). Text in Italian. Title and delicate initials printed in red, Cavalcanti arms on title-page in red, light and dark grey. Set in Arrighi-Vincentino and Centaur types and printed on Fabriano paper. Pp. 114. 8vo., original full vellum, Bodoni device and lettering in gilt to upper cover and spine, t.e.g, others uncut, red handbands. Housed in original grey paper slipcase. Covers slightly darkened in places, one or two spots to fore edge, otherwise a handsome copy in a very good slipcase.
With the original prospectus, in Italian, inserted loose.
An exquisite and perfectly balanced printing of Cavalcanti’s 13th century ‘dolce stil novo’ (sweet new style) of Tuscan poetry. He was a friend and mentor to Dante Alighieri and much light is thrown on their relationship in Gianfranco Contini’s excellent essay at the end of this edition.