FERRARIO, Giulio (1767-1847) - Il costume antico e moderno o storia del governo, della milizia, della religione, delle arti, scienze ed usanze di tutti i popoli antichi e moderni provata coi monumenti dell'antichità e rappresentata cogli analoghi disegni. Milan: tipografia dell'editore, 1815-1826.   A copy internally in good condition and in splendid contemporary colouring with 1391 plates including some large folding maps of this "monumental and fundamental work on the customs and traditions of the peoples of the world enriched by a precious iconographic apparatus consisting of illustrations by Alluisetti, Biasioli, Bramati, Sanquirico and others. A work that is being published with much decorum and utility. Extracted from all the most select books on Costumes, Travels and Antiquities" (Cicognara). This is the limited edition for subscribers and the volumes are numbered as n. 49 and dedicated "to Signor Antonio Burocco".   18 volumes, folio (340 x 242mm). Half-titles, 1391 plates (the number of plates may vary and in some copies there are up to 1436), all finely handcoloured at the time including some large engraved and folding maps (occasional light foxing, few plates slightly trimmed, few volumes lightly browned or with occasional stains, some occasional leaves detached or with small tears). The plates were counted using the indexes as reference and are divided as follows: Asia in 4 volumes with 348 (of 351) including 2 large folding maps and a full-page map contained in the first volume (vol. III lacking plates no. 8, 53, 74); Africa in 2 volumes with 160 plates as per index including the large folded map of Africa; America in 2 volumes with 168 plates as per the index including the large folding map of America; Europe in 10 volumes with 718 plates as per the index including two large folding maps of Europe and Italy (in a copy we offered in January 2024, auction 649, the plates were 752).   Contemporary tree calf decorated in gilt on covers, red and green labels titled in gold on spines, blue speckled edges (somewhat worn, heavier defect to some volumes, spines sometimes detached, some losses and scratches, general rubbing). Some copies of the work also contain volumes of Aggiunte and Indexes which are not present here; the text has not been collated and the lot is sold as described and not subject to return. (18)

Estimate € 1,800 - 2,500

Sold € 2,000