Carmelo Bene - 'l mal de' fiori - 2000

WITH ORIGINAL PUBLISHER’S BELLY BAND
A rare and sought-after first edition of the last extraordinary literary work published during the lifetime of Carmelo Bene (1937–2002), the genius of the Italian theatrical neo-avant-garde. Printed in March 2000 by Bompiani in its prestigious Overlook series, the book has become a true cult object among collectors, having sold out quickly and never been reprinted.

This lot stands out for including the rare original publisher’s belly band, an element that is almost always missing or damaged and that greatly increases the book’s collectible value.

The work is presented in a “monumental” quarto (4°) format, expressly chosen by the author to impose a physical, ritual approach to reading on the reader (a book that “demands a bookstand”).