Title: Descrizione geografica dell’isola di Sicilia e dell’altre sue Adiacenti
Author: Scasso Borrello, Mariano
Illustrator: Antonio Bova
Publisher: D. Adorno
Year published: 1807
Place of Publication: Palermo
Book Condition: Good
Jacket Condition:
Size: 8vo
Binding: Original Wrap
Isbn:
Edition: ‘Terza’
Notes: Mariano Scasso Borrello, Descrizione geografica dell’isola di Sicilia e dell’altre sue adiacenti. Terza edizione. Corretta, ed ampiata dalla stesso Autore (2 vols., Palermo: D. Adorno, 1806-7), 164, 177-87 + fold-out map; 175, XI. 8vo. Author’s name omitted from title page but mentioned on p. VII of vol. 1. The printer (Domenico Adorno) is indicated on the title page of vol. 1 and the name of the bookseller (D. Salvatore lo Forte) appears on the title page of vol. 2. Described as ‘Terza edizione’ on the title page of both volumes, and in the preface to vol. 1 two previous editions are mentioned (titled Geografia di Sicilia), which I have been unable to locate, however I am inclined to surmise that they were included within larger compendia. A single-volume edition of the Descrizione geografica appeared in Palermo in 1798, which is also described on the title page as being the ‘terza’. The index of vol. 1 seems to have been inserted after the rest of the book had been bound, which may account for the misnumeration from the main text to the index of this volume, whereas the index of vol. 2 is bound into the spine and the numeration begins afresh in Roman numerals. Contemporary brown marbled paper wraps. Large fold-out map of Sicily engraved by ‘Sac. D. Ant. Bova’, identifiable with the contemporary Sicilian painter Antonio Bova (1708-1775). Printer’s colophon on title pages (both sides of a medal with the emblem of Sicily – the trinacria with winged Medusa – on the recto, and the head of Athena on the verso). The binding is very chipped, the pages slightly stained throughout. All-in-all a good copy.