Gabriel Giolito de Ferrari

Third edition of these works by Petrarch commented by Gesualdo, the first of which appeared in Venice in 1533. They comprise the Canzoniere in italics (prima parte and seconda parte) with commentary distributed around it, and the Trionfi, also accompanied by commentary. 2 engraved title pages, the first general one (with portraits of Laura and Petrarch on either side of the portico) and the second for the Trionfi. Numerous engraved and historiated initials and 6 title vignettes for the trionfi. A map of the Vaucluse site where Petrarch lived.
Later Italian binding ca 1840 in half cherry red morocconized shagreen with red percale boards. Spine with 4 false flat raised bands decorated with 3 tools and blind frames, roulettes on the bands and thick blind fillets. Initials in one of the compartments: CG. Traces of rubbing. Stains on boards and rubbing. Title-frontispiece cropped short with small lacks to corners and outer margin. Traces of pale yellow dampstains in margin of first 5 preliminary leaves, then on Petrarch's life, on 2 leaves, dampstain trace at mid-page and in margin. Gathering 553 detached. On leaves 647 to 657, outer margin nibbled for 1cm then diminishing. Some scattered light foxing in margins but overall relatively fresh, notably the text of the Canzoniere; more significant but still very light foxing at end of work.
The preliminary pages include a stylistic analysis, the lives of Petrarch and Laura. This edition of Gesualdo's commentary was revised in light of Vellutello's critical edition, published later. Addressing very diverse and erudite questions, Gesualdo's commentary is renowned for its great elegance.