DELLA CASA, Giovanni. Rime, et Prose.
Venezia, Bevilacqua, 1558
First edition of the most famous Renaissance treatise on manners and behaviour. The term Galateo derives from Galeazzo Florimonte, bishop of Sessa, who suggested to Della Casa the drafting of the treatise in which the author, thanks to his considerable experience of courtly life accumulated as Apostolic Nuncio and Secretary of State, instructs his favourite nephew. The work was also very successful due to the elegance of its prose and was reprinted, translated and imitated several times. Due to the beautiful printing with characters also used by Paolo Manuzio, the book is cited in Renouard's Aldine bibliography: “Bien exécuté et peu commun”; Gamba 278: “Prima, bella ed originale edizione”.
In 4to; 228 x 160 mm; 19th century quarter leather binding with corners, gilt title on spine. Pp. [12], 170, [2]. Woodcut initial letters. Slight brownings and spread foxing. Good copy.