La Scienza della Scherma

Milano: Nella Stamperia del Giornale Italico, 1803. First Edition. Half-Leather. Good. Signed by both authors opposite the index. Language: Italian. There is a prior owner's name written on the top left corner of the front endpaper, as well as an attached bookplate; there is also a small stamp on the title page; no other owners' marks. The pages are considerably rippled, and there are water-stains and foxing in the margins of several pages, though there is no adhesion or associated odor; p. 345 bears a large tear at the bottom free corner, with some text loss. Binding is relaxed at the hinges, with some stitching exposed, but is otherwise secure. The gilt titles at the spine remain clear and legible, but there is noticeable flaking and rubbing to the leather spine, with a small chip at the spine heel and heavy wear at the corners; the marbled design on the paper hard cover is almost entirely rubbed away, and there is significant wear at the cover edges, otherwise sound. 357 pp. + Index and 10 foldout illustrations. This is the 1803 first edition of the historic treatise on fencing written by Giuseppe Rosaroll Scorza and Pietro Grisetti in defense of the "Scuola Napoletana." It has been signed by both authors. Rosaroll Scorza (1775-1825) was famously made General in the Army of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and attained a certain celebrity for his patriotism.; 8vo.; Signed by Authors.