The Italian library. Containing an account of the lives and works of the most valuable authors of Italy. by Baretti, Giuseppe (1719-1789); Samuel Johnson - 1757: With a preface, exhibiting the changes of the Tuscan language, from the barbarous ages to the present time.

London: A. Millar, 1757. First edition. Leather. Very Good. Octavo (22 cm); [2],xciv,[2],343,[27] pages. Bound in contemporary full calf ruled in gilt, experty rebacked with new leather spine in period style, and title label. A clean, bright copy.

Effectively exiled from Italy after he insulted the cultural and academic bosses there, Baretti settled in London. English awareness of Italian literature and art was practically non-existent, and Baretti energetically introduced Italian studies into England. He joined the society of Henry Fielding, Joshua Reynolds, David Garrick, and, most importantly, Samuel Johnson. Under Johnson's patronage, he produced a series of works intended to promote Italian language and literature, including the Italian Library, which provided short commentaries on the lives and works of Italian writers, and a brief history of the development of the Italian language. Johnson wrote the stunning first paragraph of Baretti's preface.