Notizia, E Maniera Per La Gran Caccia De’ Cignali, E Capri.
Naples, G. and V. Muzio 1739.
4to (228 x 177 mm.). [xxii], 100, [1]p. and ENGRAVED PORTRAIT OF PRINCESS MARIA-LUISA CARACCIOLO IN HUNTING DRESS WITH HER RIFLE AND DOG (A. Baldi), two engraved historiated initials and one engraved allegorical headpiece (the latter signed A. Maillar), engraved allegorical title vignette (also Maillar).
Contemporary stiff vellum (endleaves removed), manuscript spine title.
Only Antiquarian Edition. This elegant and learned treatise on hunting boars, goats and deer is dedicated to skilled huntress Princess Maria-Luisa Caracciolo (1701-66) and includes A LIST OF LEGENDARY HUNTRESSES. The preface discusses the many salutary benefits of hunting, from improving physical and mental health to training princes for war and providing for the dinner table. The main text addresses weaponry, tracking, camouflage, optimal months for various game and forest management, while the final chapter is devoted to breeds of hunting dogs.
The author signed his dedication simply Giuseppe but refers to his mother Chiara Carafa, who was a close friend of the dedicatee’s grandmother. Accordingly, I have assigned authorship to Giuseppe Spinelli, Duke of Laurino, who married a Caracciolo, and not Giuseppe Maria Carafa (1717-86), the Theatine professor traditionally cited as author and whose mother was Fortunata Carmignano. Two copies in U.S. libraries. A very good copy (light offsetting from portrait, occasional foxing); ownership inscription of Vito Scognetti dated 1740 on the rear pastedown.
¶Ceresoli, Bibliografia delle opere italiane, latine e greche su la caccia 131; not in Schwerdt or Souhart.
Price: $8,800.00