de benefizii tradotto in volgar fiorentino da messer benedetto varchi

Descrizione libro: Florence Lorenzo Torrentino, 1554. First edition 1554 of first translation into Italian by Benedetto Varchi. Small 4to, 230 x 140 mm, 9 x 5½ inches, engraved architectural title page with Medici family crest at top and small view of Florence at the bottom, an engraving, trimmed and laid down, has been added as frontispiece but is not called for, pages (8), 204, (4), last leaf is a blank preceded by the colophon leaf, decorated initials, bound in 19th century half vellum over patterned paper sides, gilt lettered label to spine, all edges marbled. Spine darkened and worn, 30 mm (1 inch) missing at tail of spine, hinges starting to crack, corners slightly worn, old inscription on front pastedown, name on title page, pale staining to lower outer corner of title page and next 3 pages, occasional pale marks to margins, pale damp stains to a few upper margins, 8 pages lightly browned, 7 small margin tears with neat old paper repairs, not affecting text, binding tight and firm. Overall a good sound copy. Seneca (c. 4 BC- 65 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman and dramatist. This work in 7 books deals with the nature of benefit, gratitude and ingratitude, and various problems connected with conferring and receiving benefits, and shows insight into human conflict. It seems that Varchi translated it and dedicated it to the wife of Cosimo de' Medici as an act of gratitude for benefits received by him from the Medici family. This edition not in Adams, Catalogue of Books Printed in Europe 1501-1600. MORE IMAGES ATTACHED TO THIS LISTING. Codice libro della libreria 5917