[GOZZI, Count Carlo] SYMONDS, John Addington (translator). THE MEMOIRS OF COUNT CARLO GOZZI. Published by John C. Nimmo, London in 1888 and 1890. Four volume, uniformly bound set in 3/4 dark blue morocco, with Adolphe Lalauze etchings. 1st translated edition, hb leather, 8vo. "With Essays on Italian Impromptu Comedy, Gozzi's Life, The Dramatic Fables, and Pietro Longhi". Although this is a four volume, uniformly bound set, it consists of two sets of two volumes: one a limited edition (#473/760) published in 1890, and described as Part 1, and the other an edition showing no limitation and a publishing date of 1888, and described as Part 2. Certainly, it is curious that the second part of this set precedes the first part in the year of publication. Both sets contain illustrations of Italian comedic subjects, drawn by Maurice Sand, engraved on copper by A. Manceau and delicately coloured by hand; as well as original etchings executed by Adolphe Lalauze. However, the 1888 (Part 2) set only contains three etchings and five coloured plates (and lacks a List of llustrations). The 1890 (Part 1) set has such a List, which calls for a frontispiece portrait and six etchings, as well as eleven hand coloured plates (all present and in fine condition). The crushed morocco 3/4 leather binding is ruled in gilt over complimentary marbled bds., with matching marbled eps. The spines of each volume are in compartments. Each spine is dated and intricately tooled in a semi-pointille style. The top edge is gilt and each book has a slim silk, ribbon, marker. The corners of each volume show minor wear, with just a trace of rubbing to the bottom edges. Otherwise, the boards are unblemished. There are one or two tiny abrasions to the bands of vol. 1, Part 1, and the top of the spine of vol. 2, Part 2, has been dented. The contents are slightly age toned at edges, but are otherwise exceptionally clean (some pages are uncut). Taken together, this is an extraordinarily handsome set, with remarkable illustrations, and an important contribution to theater history. Inventory #27829
Price: $1300 Cdn./$850 US
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