Francesca da Rimini

Hardcover. 4to, 1st edition. pp (12) + 289 + (3) Publisher's original vellum binding with gilt decoration to front board and to spine. Some spotting and traces of soiling to front and rear cover. The parchment bound book is tied together by green canvas ribbons, the lower ribbon is detached (but remains preserved inside the book!) Small label from former bookshop "Libreria Loescher and co" to front paste-down. Pages are uncut. Bound and decorated in the style of English Art-Nouveau books, this fascinating play by the author Gabriele D'annunzio was conceived as a tribute to the actress Eleonora Duse (at the time they were lovers, and there is a beautiful tribute to her at the beginning of the book) in equal parts as much to the great poet Dante himself. This play was also the basis for an operatic adaptation by Riccardo Zandonai in 1914. The decorative features and rich wood cut illustrations are by Adolfo de Carolis (which include the title page, 10 pages of musical notation, motivic flourishes at the start and end of each section) in black and red.The front parchment cover features a gilt medallion with the lettering "Noi Leggevamo" (We read) An exquisite, rare first edition, for lovers of Gabriele d'Annunzio, Dante and opera, this is an absolute must.…