Fossati (Giorgio) Raccolta di Varie Favole..., vol. 1, 2, 5 & 6 only (of 6) in 2, text in Italian & French printed in double column on thick paper, titles to vol.1 printed in red & black within fine engraved rococo borders printed in sanguine, 6 other titles with engraved vignettes printed in sanguine, blue & bistre respectively, 2 engraved head-pieces printed in sanguine, 144 engraved plates printed in sanguine, blue, green, bistre & black, woodcut initials and tail-pieces, washed and trimmed, modern tan morocco, boards painted with titles and architectural scenes on upper covers and animals from fables on lower, all in pen & ink and acrylics, marbled endpapers by Ann Muir, preserved in modern cloth folders and slip-case, [Cohen-de Ricci 410], 4to (300 x 215mm.), Venice, Carlo Pecora, 1744.

⁂ Unusual and striking work by Fossati, an architect, stage designer and experimental print-maker. Complete sets are infrequently found and sometimes with the engravings only in black or brown.

Provenance: Teodoro F.Tausch, early 19th century Italian politician (bookplate); Ira C.Copley (1864-1947), newspaper and public utility magnate, Republican congressman (with loosely inserted postage label from Paris addressed to his yacht Happy Days in Kiel).