La Divina Commedia di Dante

Alighieri, Dante

Published by G. Gnocchi. Printed by Fratelli Salmin of Padoua, Milano, 1878

First edition of what has become known as "Dantino," one of the smallest books printed in movable type and one of the most renowned miniature books. Near Fine. Finely bound in vellum elaborately stamped in gilt, top edge gilt, looped string straps with one clasp post lacking.The printing process was arduous, in part because of the minuscule 2-point Didot type (so-called "flies' eye" type), "thought to be the smallest ever employed," and "said to have injured the eyesight of both the compositor and the corrector." Because only 30 pages could be printed in a month, the work took many years to complete. The project was begun in 1850 by Giacomo Gnocchi, but the work was abandoned. Resumed in 1873 by his son Giovanni, the edition was completed at the Printing Works 'Alla Minerva' in Padua overseen by Gaetano Gianuzzi and completed on 9 June 1878. After "1,000 copies were printed and the type was destroyed."(Welsh 2168). Spielmann 114. Seller Inventory # 140942143

Bibliographic Details

Title: La Divina Commedia di Dante
Publisher: G. Gnocchi. Printed by Fratelli Salmin of Padoua, Milano
Publication Date: 1878
Condition: Near Fine
Edition: First edition thus.