1906 Liriche del Dolce Stil Nuovo by Rivalta Ercole [Hand-Painted Vellum]

A very scarce, entirely unique first edition copy of philologist Ercole Rivalta's critical anthology, which covers works by less well-known poets of the Dolce Stil Nuovo. The Dolce Stil Nuovo (Sweet New Style) was a major literary style in 13th and 14th century Italy, which focused on a softer lyrical style and the key themes of divine love and woman's godliness. This particular copy is unlike any other I can find online, bound in hand-painted vellum and decorated with a bold Venetian dragon.

In good to very good condition with age-related darkening to the vellum in places, the odd stain to the boards, suede ties missing, slight internal gaping to gutters here and there, spine ends and corners a little worn, light foxing in places. Pages and plates generally clean, binding firm.

Alongside the rich black, green and gilt dragon motif painted on the front board, the book is decorated with botanicals to the spine and rear, green, black, red and purple titles to the upper front board, beautiful floral endpapers, and a gauffered gilt top edge. The text is in Italian, accompanied by several guarded plates. 22.5 x 14 cm. Pp. [xiii], 259.