OLEARIUS Adam (1600-1671) - Viaggi di Moscovia. Viterbo: Girolamo Diotallevi, 1658.   First Italian edition of this work by Olearius, famous mathematician and librarian at the service of Duke Federico Ill of Holstein-Gottorp, who enjoyed great success in Europe. The Italian translation deals with a new interest in Russia, which has recently emerged from the period of the so-called "troubles". Included in the appendix is a text by Raffaele Barberini (1532-1582), who had gone to Russia in 1564 to sell a new patent to Tsar Ivan the Terrible for salt extraction. Probably the publication of this writing as an appendix to the Olearius version served to present a less pessimistic picture of the Russian situation, in line with the "Avviso al lettore" in which the anonymous editor provides reassuring news in order to put in good light the Russian rulers.   4to (244 x 170mm). Printer's device on title, woodcut initials, large woodcut bee part of the heraldic coat of arms of the Barberini, 6 engraved plates, 4 of which are folding and a full-page engraved illustration at end which represents an "atypical" Cupid seated on a boat carrying arrows, on one of these there seems to be a banner with the coat of arms of the Barberini family, all surmounted by a motto “Diversa per aequora”; SBN mentions 7 plates, but it is not possible to clearly establish whether or not it includes the above-mentioned full-page illustration in the count (title with restorations, final leaf on guard, map of Moscow carefully restored, some waterstaining, foxing and browning). Later vellum, speckled edges (minor wear). Provenance: "pertinet Megalum S. Vivy..?" (ownership inscription with restorations on title) - Fondo breviario Scozzi Roma (private stamp on title's verso).

Estimate € 800 - 1,200

Sold € 800