The Memoirs of Count Carlo Gozzi

London: John C. Nimmo, 1890. Leather. Very Good Indeed. 9.5" by 7.5". Unamed. The limited illustrated edition of John Addington Symonds' translation of the memoirs of the Italian playwright Count Gozzi. Number 87 of 210 copies with hand coloured plates. Symonds wrote a number of biographies of writers and artists, and these often reflected his interest in the Renaissance, as in this case. He was also an early advocate of homosexuality, and despite being married to a woman, he wrote poetry inspired by his homosexual affairs. Count Gozzi was born in Venice in 1720. He had to support himself due to his father's debts, so he joined the army in Dalmatia at the age of sixteen. On his return to Venice he gained a reputation as the wittiest member of the Granelleschi Society, to which he had gained entry through the publication of a number of satirical pieces. Through the 1750s and 60s he published works in the Traditional Tuscan style, which satirised the French inspired Pietro Chiari and Carlo Goldoni. His work has been much praised by Goethe, among many other critics. In later years he produced tragedies, but did not find the same success as for his early work. This edition was limited to 780 copies: 520 for England and 260 for America. This is number 87. It is illustrated with the subject's portrait and six etchings by Adolphe Lalauze, and eleven illustrations of Italian Comedy by Maurice Sand. Direct from the library of the late Hugh Selbourne MD (1906-1973) a noted book collector and diarist. Collated, complete. In quarter calf with printed cloth boards. The boards show the armorial crest of Count Gozzi. Externally smart, though the spines are somewhat rubbed. The text blocks are untrimmed, though the edges are still reasonably clean if a little spotted. Internally clean and bright, and firmly bound. Very Good Indeed