Cadore or Titian's Country

London: Longmans, Green and Co, 1869. Hardcover. Very Good. Josiah Gilbert's richly illustrated combination of travel book and art history, building upon his previous travels in the Dolomite Mountains. From his preface: 'The charm is due to a touch of Italian softness tempering Alpine severity and Dolomite grandeur. The interest centres in Titian. the scenery of Cadore and its neighbourhood inspired Titian's landscape; its remote villages still treasure in their churches relics of his pictures; its annals supplied him with the subject of one of his greatest, though, as it has long perished, one of his least known compositions; while to us they curiously illustrate the life of a small mountain republic from the earliest times.' [i]-xiv, [1] 332 pages, 2 pages of ads with favorable reviews of Gilbert's previous book. 34 illustrations, including the frontispiece of 'Titian's Bridge' and a folding 'Facsimile of Titian's original Design for his "Battle of Cadore"' printed by Cowell's Anastic Press, Ipswich, as well as woodcuts printed with the text. Green cloth covers with gilt rule and image of a mountain taken from Titian's 'Omnia Vanitas'. Wear to the extremities, with loss to the lower front corner, rear hinge starting. Small bibliographic description from a previous seller on the front pastedown, occasional mild foxing. 10.75 x 8