Ariosto (Lodovico) Opere, vol.1 only (of 2) comprising 'Orlando Furioso', half-title, general title with engraved pictorial border, individual title to 'Orlando Furioso' in red and black with engraved vingette, with engraved portrait by Orsolini but lacking plates, one or two small holes or tears to margins, contemporary calf, spine gilt with red morocco label, rubbed and scuffed, corners and foot of spine worn, Venice, Stefano Orlandini, 1731 § Tasso (Torquato) Aminta Favola Boscareccia, title with engraved vignette, imprimatur on verso, some light spotting or soiling, contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt with tan morocco label, very slightly rubbed, Oxford, Sheldonian Theatre, 1726, both with engraved bookplate of Wm. Constable F.R.S. & F.S.A.; and an odd volume, v.s. (3)

⁂ William Constable (1721-91) F.R.S. & F.A.S., collector and compiler of a Cabinet of Curiosities of items collected on his Grand Tour to Italy in 1769. This is still on display at the old family home of Burton Constable Hall, Yorkshire, complete with many of the original labels, the only such cabinet to remain in its original country house location. Constable was particularly interested in the natural world and made attempts at classification (pre-Linnaeus) but despite his progressive thinking in the advancement of science he still believed that it was possible to cross-breed chickens with rabbits.