Berneri - Il Meo Patacca, overo Roma in Feste ne i Trionfi di Vienna - 1695

Very rare first edition of this famous playful poem in the Romanesco dialect, written by Giuseppe Berneri (1637-1701). The work, consisting of 1245 ottave stanzas divided into 12 cantos, has great historical and linguistic importance, as it represents one of the fundamental texts of Roman dialect literature of the Seicento. Its protagonist later became one of Rome’s symbol masks along with Rugantino.
Cf. Rossetti II, 1003; Vinciana, no. 198.

The story is inspired by a real historical event: the liberation of Vienna from the Ottoman Turkish siege which occurred in 1683. When news reached Rome of the siege, Meo Patacca, described as the most swaggering and brave among the ruffians of the Trastevere district, decides to organize a voluntary expedition of Romans to go save the Austrian city.
Meo raises funds, enlists a bizarre militia of strays, and prepares to depart with great zeal. However, just as the troops are about to move out, the news arrives that Vienna has already been liberated. The expedition fizzles, and the collected money is spent to organize grand popular celebrations throughout Rome.

Meo Patacca, or Rome in festivals in the triumphs of Vienna. A playful poem in the Romanesco language, by Giuseppe Berneri, Roman academic of Infecondo..., Rome, Marc’Antonio, & Orazio Campana, 1695.

PP.: (XIV of XVI), 429, (I). The title-page is missing; otherwise COMPLETE.

A copy with leaves in overall good condition, with the usual signs of use and time and some damp stains.

Contemporary binding in full parchment with manuscript title on the back and on the lower edge, well preserved. Missing the rear white flyleaf.