Horses. D'Alessandro, Giuseppe, duke of Pescolanciano.... Lot 369

[Horses]. D'Alessandro, Giuseppe, duke of Pescolanciano. Pietra paragone de' cavalieri. Naples, Domenico Antonio Parrino, 1711. In 2nd (337 x 222 mm); [8], 402 [but 404] pages. Portrait of the author, numerous full-page engraved figures in the text (restorations with missing text on 8 papers, lightly browned, other minor defects). Hazel-colored morocco binding with gilt frame and angular fleurons to plates, gold friezes and title to spine, gilt and chiseled edges. Rarefirst edition. Treccani online: "The idolized image of the horse, the center of a singular equestrian microcosm, constitutes the coordinating element of the collection, which alternates between amorous and philosophically inspired sonnets, rhymes extolling the glories and virtues of noble quadrupeds, treatises on how to cure their 'infirmities,' and even engravings of the marks of the most prized breeds in the Kingdom of Naples. In the colorful bestiary of Baroque lyric poetry, the horse is indeed a constant pole of attraction."