Books

Florence: G. Barbéra, Editore,, 1882 & 1886. An attractively bound set of Dante's masterpieces. The poems are accompanied by commentary and illustrations by Pietro Fraticelli (1803-1866), a distinguished scholar of medieval Italian literature. Fraticelli's editions were first published in 1839 and 1852 respectively. Two works, octavo (181 x 121 mm). Contemporary vellum over bevelled boards, spines and covers elaborately tooled in gilt, red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, covers framed in red and with red morocco onlays, front covers hand-lettered in red and stamped with fleur de lys motifs in gilt, scrollwork gilt roll on turn-ins, gilt textured endpapers in cream and dark green respectively, red edges, red silk bookmarkers. La divina commedia: engraved portrait frontispiece of author with tissue guard, 3 plates (1 folding). Christmas gift inscription dated 1886 from Alma Beatrice Hodge (1854-1949) and Pensa Rosa Louis Hodge (1862-1940) to their brother, John Barwick Hodge…

'Vita Nuova' is a collection of Dante's poems, interspersed with his commentary, which details his love for Beatrice and includes a vision of her death, showcasing Dante's early poetic style.