L.A. Muratori - Antiquitates Italicae medii aevi. - 1738/1742

Volumes 1 as well as 3-6 (of 6). Mailand, Hofdruckerei 1738-42. folio. With 5 repeating frontispieces, 5 (4 repeating) title vignettes, 5 head vignettes, 5 initials (all engraved), folding copper plates and numerous text woodcuts. Contemporary leather bindings with spine label and spine gilding.

Brunet III, 1949. Graesse IV, 626. Fueter 318. Branca 924. First edition.
- Muratori's great work, which compiles studies on constitutions, ways of thinking, customs and traditions in Italy from the 5th to the 13th century, is a cultural-historical supplement to his "Annali" (1744-49).
"Keiner der älteren Historiker vor Voltaire hat so klar eingesehen wie Muratori, dass auch zeitgenössische Berichte tendenziös verfälscht sein können" (Fueter 319).
- The woodcuts in the text mostly show coins. The plate in Volume III after page 879.
Condition: Slightly spotted. Joints partly chipped, some chapters somewhat damaged, missing covers, scuffed and bumped.