I Quattro Libri Dell'Architettura

Venetia: Appresso Dominico de Franceschi , 1570. First edition. Leather. Fine. 12" by 8". Andrea Palladio . An exceptional copy of Andrea Palladio's seminal architectural work. A hugely important work, which outlines Palladio's teachings including the nine rules of identity. Beautifully illustrated after the author's own drawings. The complete four books, bound in one as called for. An exceptional copy, the best and finest we have been able to locate including institutionally held copies. The first edition of this milestone in the history of architecture. A beautifully illustrated guide, with the pages in an exceptionally bright condition. Palladio was the founder of Palladian Architecture. His books, particularly this work, had a wider influence than even his building. Many of his own designs are present in this work which outlines his teachings. This treatise celebrates the purity and simplicity of classical Roman architecture, particularly the works of Leon Battista Alberti. This work provides systematic rules and plans for buildings which were creative and unique. In the original Italian. Smartly rebound in a nineteenth century full calf binding. The first book discusses building materials and techniques, documenting the five classical orders, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan and Composite. The second book covers the designs of urban townhouses and country villas around Venice which at the time of writing were almost all designed by Palladio himself. There are nine palazzi, twenty-two villas and a series of unrealized projects. The third book addresses city planning, and discusses stone street paving, bridges, and piazzas. There are also examples of basilicas, including the basilica designed by Vitruvius in Fano, and the important Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza. The fourth book contains five chapters of general introduction, and then twenty six chapters which describes the designs of Roman temples dating from antiquity along with one contemporary church design. The churches are from Rome, Naples, Spoleto, Assisi, Pola and Nimes. Collated, complete with blank leaves KK4 and 4R4. With all four woodcut illustrated title pages present. With the de Franceschi's printer's device in the upper panel of all title pages, a different printer's device to the verso of 4R3v as called for. 221 woodcut illustrations, plans, and sections. 156 of the illustrations are full page blocks, 84 printed as plates, being the recto and verso of 42 leaves. With the signature A2, B-I4, 2A-2K4, 3A-3F4, 4A-4R4. Quire 2H is misbound, in the sequence 2H2, 2H1, 2H4, 2H3. Green silk bookmark is loosely inserted. An extraordinarily clean copy of this work. A near perfect copy. Rebound, in a nineteenth century calf binding. Externally, very smart with just some light bumping to the extremities and a few marks to the boards. The calf remains bright. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright, with just the odd light spot. Fine