Italian Risorgimento (6 results)

Hard back binding in publisher's original colour illustrated paper covered boards, pretty floral illustrations to the spine and both covers, to the front cover is a colour cameo illustration of Alessandro Manzoni, silk water marked end papers. Folio. 12½'' x 9¼''. Contains [x] 295 printed pages of Italian text with 6 colour plates on glossy art paper, other tinted colour and many monochrome illustrations and photographs throughout. Ownership marking dated 1944 to the front free end paper, 95 mm piece of card covering missing to the base of the spine, spine edges neatly repaired, rubbing of the paper across the spine top and corners, contents clean and tidy. Member of the P.B.F.A. ITALY (History & Culture).

Stitched self wrappers. 40 pp. 16mo. "Q. Does God's holy law permit rebelliousness against one's temporal Sovereign? R. Never, indeed, condemns it highly; for the sacred writing which, as you know, is the very word of God, declares that the High Official (Podesta) does not come from God, but whoever resists him, resists precisely the ordination of God, and thus proceeds to damnation." Thus begins Count Monaldo Leopardi's (1776-1847) counter-revolutionary Catechism on Revolutions, arguing that Christianity and the French Revolution are incompatible, that the rebellion is an ignominious revolt against the metaphysical and social order established by God, and that tradition is more important that abstract concepts of liberalism. Meant for use in schools, it was one of two essays published by Leopardi in 1832. Two editions were published in 1832 both rather uncommon. This edition without date and publisher (but which Sorbelli's "Opuscoli stampe alla macchia e fogli volanti riflettenti il pensiero politico italiano: [1830-1835" dates as 1832) is held by only two libraries: Univ. Conn. and Biblioteca Casanatense. Very good, lightly browned, a few lower fore edge corners folded, tiny marginal chip at leaf 16, and one closed tear on rear leaf, numeral inked on title, original stitching but perhaps removed from a later volume.

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper. Reads: 'Dear Sir | I returned yesterday only from a long journey. I hope to see you in he present week in the City.' In 1850 Gavazzi began a course of political and religious sermons in London; first at the Princess's Court Rooms, Great Castle Street, Oxford Street, and then from 1854 in an open chapel at King's Cross. In 1859 he returned to Italy to take up a post as chaplain for Giuseppe Garibaldi, serving in that role during the Expedition of the Thousand to Sicily in 1860.

On irregular slip of thin paper, roughly 2 x 6 cm. Laid down on piece of paper cut from album. In fair condition, lightly aged. Bold signature ('G. Garibaldi') with wavy underlining, possibly cut from the valediction of a letter.

1p, 12mo. On the recto of the first leaf of a bifolium, the rest being blank. In good condition, lightly aged, with a hole on a blank part of the paper at the foot of the first leaf. Neatly written and signed 'C. Cavour'. Cavour begins by taking up an offer by the unnamed recipient, by asking him to convey a letter to his rival Massimo Taparelli, Marquess of Azeglio (1798-1866), Prime Minister of Sardinia. He hopes that on the recipient's return from London he will employ his pen ' con quell'efficacia che le e propria' in the service of the cause of unification of Italy, by writing in the most powerful 'organo de' pubblicita' which has ever existed [The Times?]. He ends with good wishes for the journey. The letter reads: 'Preg. Sig. | Approfittando della gentile Sua profferta le mando que' compriegata una lettera pel Marchesa d'Azeglio. | Spero che al tuo ritorno da Londra [?] la penna per patrocinare con quell'efficacia che le e propria la causa dell'unificazione d'Italia nel piu potente organo de' pubblicita che abbia mai esistito | Le auguro bouon viaggio e le [?] gli atti della distinta mia Stima.'.

Various formats. Fascinating collection of 15 items related to the Unification of Italy, containing handwritten letters, notes, and poems from notable Italian figures and patriots like Giuseppe Mazzini, Count of Cavour, Cesare Battisti, Nino Bixio, Arnaldo Fusinato, and others. Dated between 1838 and 1900, the collection is highlighted by three manuscript poems from Fusinato, which include 'L'ultima ora di libertà,' 'Le due Madri Ballata,' and an early copy of 'Brindisi.' Also included are letters and notes by Mazzini (one in French, dated June 17, 1852, regarding "manifeste Sicilien"), a handwritten letter from Cavour to the Chevalier De Bry, postmarked February 1, 1854, about "la supression du bagne de Villefranc[h]e," ALSs from Bixio and Battisti, a cabinet photograph of Bixio, and two period booklets commemorating the death and life of Battisti, published by Sede Dell'Unione in 1917. In overall fine condition.'L'ultima ora di libertà' would appear to be an early title for Fusinato's celebrated poem 'L'ultima ora di Venezia,' (or "La bandiera bianca"), one of the classics of the Italian Risorgimento. The poem reflects the poet's despair at the fall of the short-lived Repubblica di San Marco in 1849 to the Austrians. After fighting in defense of Vicenza, Fusinato was stationed as a lieutenant on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio near Venice, where, despite heroic resistance, the Austrians quickly recaptured the city. This manuscript includes the famous lines "Venezia! l'ultima / Ora e venuta: Illustre Martire / Tu sei perduta / Il morbo infuria / il pan ti manca / Sul ponte sventola / Bandiera bianca," which then reappear altered at the end of this manuscript.