Il Cortegiano, or, The Courtier

London: H. Slater, etc., 1742. Leather. Very Good. 10" by 8". Not Stated. An early edition of this famous work by Baldassare Castiglione, detailing proper social etiquette and behaviour for courtiers and ladies of society. A comprehensive philosophical dialogue that details the behaviours, social graces, and court politics of courtiers and ladies who want to enmesh themselves into royal court life. Including information on the manners, etiquette, self-presentation, and morals of sixteenth-century court life. Written by Baldassare Castiglione (1478-1529), an Italian courtier and diplomat. Castiglione is most well-known for this work, which gained popularity among the courts of sixteenth-century Europe. The second edition, second impression of this work.Containing an engraved frontispiece portrait of Castiglione.Also including some letters and poems written by Castiglione to the rear, in Latin. Collated, complete. Including a loosely inserted newspaper clipping dated 2021 of the obituary of Maurice Keen, a historian of the Middle Ages who studied this work throughout his career. Also containing the bookplate of 'Baron de Spon' to the front pastedown, and the ink signature of 'John Stratton' to the front free-endpaper, dated 1810. A fascinating and very insightful work into the court politics and social graces of courtiers and ladies in early modern Europe, this work has been analysed, translated, and reprinted many times. In full calf binding, rebacked with the original calf laid down to the boards. Externally, smart, with some rubbing, shelf wear, and scuffing to the boards. Previous owner's bookplate to the front pastedown, and previous owner's ink signature to the front free-endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, especially considering the age of the work. Very Good