Narrazione Apologetica.

GRATAROL, Pier Antonio.

Verlag: Stockholm, Enrico Fougt, 1779

Beschreibung

Small 4to, pp. [iv], 146, [2]; contemporary marbled calf, marbled edges, sides blindstamped, spine in compartments, ruled in gilt, and with gilt urn motif; head of spine chipped, else a very attractive copy with early 20th century ownership stamp of Granziotto to front free endpaper. First edition of this exposition of the corruption and intrigues at the Council of Ten in Venice. Gratarol demonstrates how he has become a victim of the draconian laws of the Venetian Government and shows up government corruption and underhand dealings. His revelations were reprinted a number of times before the end of the century. Gratarol (1730-1785), a Venetian noble and Secretary of State, had been pilloried on stage by Carlo Gozzi for an illicit affair in his Le droghe d'amore (The Love Potions), which resulted in a public scandal. Gratarol left Venice without authorisation, fell into disgrace and had to escape to Stockholm, where he published this defence, his 'Narrazione Apologetica'. His later peripatetic life led him to England, Portugal, North America, Brazil and Madagascar, and he died in poverty in 1785. Gratarol begins his revelations with three prefaces, first for his enemies, then his supporters and finally those who are impartial. The affair was clearly of Europe-wide interest, which is evidenced in the title note that copies are available through Téron in Geneva and the Adress Comptoir in Hamburg. Apparently published in an edition of 600 copies only (Harvard); uncommon, OCLC lists copies at Harvard, BL, Danish National library, in addition to some copies in Germany. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 3354

Bibliografische Details

Titel: Narrazione Apologetica.

Verlag: Stockholm, Enrico Fougt

Erscheinungsdatum: 1779

Einband: Hardcover