Catalogue des Livres rares et précieux composant la Bibliothèque de M. E.F.D. Ruggieri

2 p.l., 280 pp. 8vo, cont. green sheep-backed marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt. Paris: A. Labitte, 1873.

The first and most important private collection ever formed exclusively devoted to festivities; this sale catalogue has remained an indispensable work of reference to the present day. The 1200 lots are arranged under the sixteen different countries in which these festivities took place, except for two amazing special sections: the first catalogues thirty-eight books published between 1515 and 1559, describing festivities and solemnities in honor of Emperor Charles V. The second describes almost 400 pieces concerning festivities held during the French Revolution, offered in one lot, but catalogued separately on pp. 259-277.

Ruggieri (d. 1885) was the last of a long line of Royal and Government “artificers,” i.e. pyrotechnists, which had been founded in 1730, when five Ruggieri brothers transferred themselves from Bologna to Paris.

Fine and attractive copy. Original printed upper wrapper bound-in.

❧ Blogie col. 126.