Beschreibung:

VELLUM PRINTING] DANTE ALIGHIERI [ROSSETTI, DANTE, Gabriel-trans.]. La Vita Nuova... [New Rochelle?]: George D. Sproul, 1902. Saint Dunstan edition, one of 30 sets on vellum (but this copy out of series, edition statement not present), illuminated throughout in gold & colors. Two volumes, gray morocco by Trautz-Bauzonnet with onlaid strapwork in red, blue and green, a central fleur-de-lys in gilt on a shield of vellum, gilt vinework overall with four quadrilobe devices in each quadrant of the cover in gilt and onlay; spotting to endpapers & to some margins, vertically lettered spines in six compartments, full leather doublures in green and gray with central shield of vellum recapitulating the covers, and border of onlaid shields and gilt gougework, all edges gilt. Housed in the original hinged white silk cases. 10 1/4 x 8 inches (26 x 20 cm); [1], 43 ff.; [1], 45 ff. printed one side only, illuminated by hand in gilt and colors by Nestore Leoni and signed by him on the titles. Cases frayed and soiled, slight bump to the upper fore-corner of the first volume, one small vellum onlay missing (likely easily restorable), some toning and occasional spotting to the vellum (as is usual in these volumes). In all, a most attractive pair. The St. Dunstan editions produced by Sproul are among the most elaborate American deluxe editions of the period. Every copy is different (more than one illuminator worked on the edition). C From the Collection of Walter Ward Jr.