TASSO, Torquato (1544-1595) - La Gerusalemme liberata. Parma: Giambattista Bodoni, 1794.   A good copy which belonged to Ernst Schlesinger Benzon (1819-1873), patron and philanthropist who could count among his acquaintances Wilkie Collins, Robert Browning, Felix Mendelssohn and George Eliot. In 1794 Bodoni published three versions of Gerusalemme Liberata, the first in three volumes and considered "a beautiful edition and the rarest of the editions of Tasso" (Brooks 562), the second in two volumes in large folio "this edition and the previous are among the masterpieces of Bodoni" (Brooks 563) and this edition in two volumes in small folio of London (Brooks 564) characterized by the absence of the names of the subscribers and the justification of the edition.   2 volumes, folio piccolo di Londra (370 x 245mm). (Without the first blank in both volumes, some foxing). Later green half-morocco with arms of Ernst L. S. Benzon, gilt titles and decorations on spine, gilt decorations on covers, external edges uncut, gilt upper edge (some rubbing). Provenance: Ernst L. S. Benzon (bookplate on front endpaper and coat of arms on front cover) - Giuseppe Bolasco di Lagorara (bookplate on front endpaper) - John de Zulueta (bookplate on front endpaper) - some pencil annotations. (2)

Estimate € 1,200 - 1,800

Sold € 1,200