I Ragguali di Parnasso: or Advertisements from Parnassus, in Two Centuries with the Politick Touchstone

Traiano Boccalini; Henry, Earl of Monmouth (translator)

Published by Humphrey Moseley, Prince's Arms; Thomas Heath, 1656

About this Item

Calfskin-bound, octavo first edition of Henry, Earl of Monmouth's translation of Traiano Boccalini's "I Ragguali di Parnasso," dated to 1656. Traiano Boccalini (1556-1613) was an Italian political writer and satirist. Particularly known for his anti-Spanish sentiment, he was educated as a lawyer and worked in the papal service in Rome. His best-known work was his "I Ragguali di Parnasso" (1612-13), presented as fictional discussions of literature, art, and music by various historical figures under the patronage of the god Apollo. The first English translation of the work was produced by Henry Carey (1687-1743), 2nd Earl of Monmouth. An English poet, playwright, and musician, he was especially known for his ballads. Unfortunately, he nevertheless was not financially successful because of pirating of his works, and ultimately died by suicide. His translation of Boccalini's "I Ragguali," under the title "Advertisements from Parnassus; in Two Centuries with the Politick Touchstone," was very influential in Europe, inspiring writers like Joseph Addison and Jonathan Swift. This first edition was printed for Humphrey Mosely (d. 1661), a notable London publisher and bookseller. Thomas Heath, about whom no information could be found, is also listed as a publisher located in Russel Street near the Piazza of Covent Garden. The publication date is given as 1656. The book is bound in calfskin with, small tooled borders pressed into the leather. The leather may have been marbled or mottled, but there is significant wear and damage that makes it difficult to determine with certainty. There is significant loss to the cover and the spine, which has six raised bands. While the original binding is present, the front cover has separated entirely and the back cover is only tenuously attached. Internally, the book is in much better condition. There is some tearing and chipping to the edges of the frontpiece, but otherwise little damage, and there does not appear to be anything that significantly impacts the text, beyond some small incidents of bookworm damage.

Seller Inventory # 363

Bibliographic Details

• Title: I Ragguali di Parnasso: or Advertisements from Parnassus, in Two Centuries with the Politick Touchstone
• Publisher: Humphrey Moseley, Prince's Arms; Thomas Heath
• Publication Date: 1656
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Poor