3.000

SPELTA, Antonio Maria. Donneschi trofei … ad honore delle donne cortesi, benigne, e saggie, et a confusione delle ingrate, orgogliose, e rozze, gratiosamente eretti. Opera molto essemplare, e di gran frutto, a fare, che i mariti amando, e rispettando le mogli, vivano lieti, e concordi nelle case loro.

Pavia, appresso Pietro Bartoli., 1612.

Octavo (139×99mm). [8] leaves, 144 pages, [12] leaves. Title printed in red and black, printer's device on title-page; woodcut initials and ornaments throughout. Bound in modern half leather with gilt title on spine. Evenly browned. A very good copy.

The scarce first edition of this proto-feminist work on women's virtues. The author, a priest, teacher and historian from Pavia, lists thirty-two trofei, i.e. qualities that he believes render women more virtuous than men. Women are nobler than men because Eve was created from Adam's rib, which is purer and more refined substance than the dust from which Adam was formed. Adam is then blamed for the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Women are also considered to be more delicate, patient, intelligent and faithful than men by nature. A very rare edition, with only three copies in Italian public libraries, and four known copies in public institutions outside Italy.

IT\ICCU\NAPE\073761.

Other Books

MEDA RIQUIER rare books ltd.
4 Bury Street St James's
SW1Y 6AB London

Phone +44 (0) 7770457377
info@medariquier.com