Architecture. 1601 I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura di Andrea Palladio. Venice

A working copy of the 1601 printing (Carampello, Venice) of I Quattro libri dell'Architettura di Andrea Palladio. This copy is missing the title page, and two blank leaves found at the end of books 2 and 4, but is otherwise complete. It is well-used, bearing testament that it has been referenced often in the previous four centuries. Despite the wear, it has been obviously repaired, and is holding together very well, with no loose leaves and easy to peruse.

I did supply a facsimile of the title page, to size, printed on acid-free laid artist's paper, so that you can have the full context of the book.

Andrea Palladio (1508 –1580) was an Italian Renaissance architect active in the Venetian Republic. Palladio, influenced by Roman and Greek architecture, primarily Vitruvius, is widely considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture. While he designed churches and palaces, he was best known for country houses and villas. His teachings, summarized in the architectural treatise, The Four Books of Architecture, gained him wide recognition. The city of Vicenza, with its 23 buildings designed by Palladio, and 24 Palladian villas of the Veneto are listed by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage Site.

The Basillica Palladiana in Venice (the palace) is one of Palladio's most recognizable works, where he updated an older building, including the often-photographed facade along St. Mark's square.

At the encouragement of the Cardinal Barbaro, Palladio published a series of books on architectural studies, first published in 1570.

"These books secured his reputation as the most influential figure in the renewal of classical architecture." (Wiki)

"The first book includes studies of decorative styles, classical orders, and materials. He illustrated a rich variety of columns, arcades, pediments, pilasters and other details which were soon adapted and copied. The second book included Palladio's town and country house designs and classical reconstructions. The third book had bridge and basilica designs, city planning designs, and classical halls. The fourth book included information on the reconstruction of ancient Roman temples." - Wiki

Bibliographic Details -

Universal Short Title Catalogue (USTC) number 4035741, found in eleven of the world's best libraries.

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 31 x 21 x 2.5 cm. Vellum binding over pasteboard boards. Richly illustrated; it's difficult to count, but some place the number of illustrations at 221.

As previously stated, this copy missing the title page, the blank leaf at the end of book 2 and the blank leaf at the end of book 4. Also, the the dedication to Filiberto, printed in book 3, is found bound into the first gathering.

Pages - Title page missing here, 3-4, dedication leaf signed 3A2, 5-67, (1), 1-78, blank leaf missing here, 1-46, (2), 1-133, (1), blank leaf missing here.

Collation - Title page missing here, A2, dedication leaf signed 3A2, A3-A6, B-H4, AA-II4, KK3, blank leaf KK4 missing here, 3A1, (3A2 at beginning) 3A3-3A4, 3B-3F, 4A-4Q, 4R3, blank leaf 4R4 missing here.

Condition -

See pictures. Vellum binding with soiling, crease on front and rear board, bottom corners bumped, several stains, etc. Pastedown with manuscript annotations. No binder's endpaper.

Title page missing and reproduced in facsimile printed on acid-free laid artist's paper; the purpose of this leaf is to give context, not replace the original leaf.

This copy best as a working copy.

Many of the leaves have been repaired/mounted and there is evidence (thumbing, chipping/edge tears, moisture marks, sketches, scribbles, etc) that this copy has been well-used and referenced throughout its life. Leaf A2 with "(Corenello Mari?)" at base. The dedication from 3rd book is at the front (AAA2). F4 with marginal ink marks. DD2 ink mark. KK4, a blank leaf at end of libro 2, not present. EE3 with drawing. 2" small worm track in 4B gathering. 4Ev building named in manuscript. Fore-edge chipping heavy at rear. 4R3, last leaf present, heavily worn. 4R4 (last blank) missing.

Despite notes, this would be a great working copy. Only the first title page, and two blank leaves at the end of books are missing (2nd book and last book), else, all is present. The binding is working well and no leaves are loose due to obvious restoration.