8vo. FIRST EDITION. 2 p.l. 157 pp. With half-title. 19th-century Italian sheep-backed paper boards (the boards treated to look like tree calf) flat spine with simple gilt rules and lettering. Engraved title page and 19 [18] plates showing mostly costumes - all but one hand-coloured (five plates folding including a map). Front pastedown with old presentation inscription n Italian. Joints and hinges with wormholes in several places (not unsightly and structural integrity not jeopardized) extremities a bit rubbed paper on covers with a few abrasions variable foxing present on about half the text leaves (mostly minor never severe) two tiny round wormholes through most of the text but a pleasing copy nevertheless of an uncommon book the binding solid and the plates on a paper stock better than used for the text - very bright clean and generally unaffected by foxing. This work on the customs of the Venetians up to the 17th century describes the unique way of life of the merchant republic from its beginnings to its Renaissance heyday, including coverage of the city's quarters, churches bridges, squares, houses, and gardens. There are sections on Venetian marriage customs, sports, theatre, and lengthy discussions of slavery in old Venice and Venetian dress. Of the illustrations, five depict men's apparel, and three show female costumes. Venetian dress differed from Western Europe because of the strong Byzantine and Moorish influence with a preference for bright colours, rich fabrics, and a full and flown cut. Among other plates, the one showing a pyramid of acrobatic sailors is irresistible and among the folding plates is one of the Rialto bridge when it was still made of wood and another showing two luxury lagoon boats with gilded prows rowed by a costumed crew of 10 and 11 men. The author Fabio Mutinelli published several works on Venetian history but otherwise is little known. Coloured plates in order: 1. Cesendelo. Damaschino (folding plate). 2-3. Ninfales. 4. Boccola, o pinzocchera. 5. Ponte Rialto (folding plate). 6. Gondole (folding plate). 7. Nobile Antico. 8. Doge Antico. 9. Donna Antica. 10. Donna del Secolo XIV. 11. Doge. 12. Nobile. 13. Generale da Mar. 14. Forze de Ecole. 15. As Above. 16. Compagno della calza. 17. Compagno della calza (rear view). 18. (2 figs): Peota & Bissona (folding plate).