Venetia Citta Nobilissima St Singolaire, Descrit In Xiiii Libri. First Edition 1581. The First Published Important Guide To Venice. Francesco Sansovino. Antiquarian Books,Books Before 1800,Travel & Exploration

First edition, foolscap 4to (8 x 5.75 inches), pp. paginated on the recto's only (1), 572, 76 chronology, (64) contents. Recent fine binding of natural levant morocco and decorated red and black handmade paper over boards. Smooth back with title and date in blind. Decorated paper doublures with morocco inner joints sewn to the quires. Bookseller's bookmark-card laid in with note "Bound by Marcello Canelas c.1980 at Stanford University". In custom red lined and black felt slipcase with endcaps in morocco matching the bookbinding. Attractive fine binding in excellent condition. Otherwise, a very good+ copy having the original front paste down endpaper and 2 front blanks with old sepia scholarly notes on the work preserved along with the original 2 rear blanks. Some minor old wormholes in the blanks and the first two and last four text sheets only. Many sheets have old sepia ink underlining-the work was definitely studied. Nonetheless, the sheets are crisp and clean. The first in depth, accomplished, and comprehensive guide to Venice published making it the prototype for future guidebooks. It is doubly significant for its detailed descriptions of Venice's art works for which it proved indispensable in later eras in the establishment of the provenance on many art works. Rare. H10774 All Items Are Sent Insured. Insurance charges are included in the Shipping & Handling Charges. International buyers please be aware that we are not responsible for and do not include or estimate customs duties, fees or taxes in any way in our listings. We ship all orders within 5 days of cleared payment. We do not create and are not responsible for shipping times or delays associated with customs and international shipping.