THE SONNETS OF MICHAEL ANGELO BUONARROTI AND TOMMASO CAMPANELLA
London: Smith, Elder, & Co., 1878. First Edition. Hardcover. Now for the First Time Translated into Rhymed English. Original smooth purple cloth stamped in black and gilt, including publisher's name on spine. This copy also without the initial bracket at the base of the title page per Babington 20. A collection of homoerotic poetry by the middle-aged Michelangelo, better known of course as an artist rather than an author, for the much younger Cavalieri, who perhaps embodied the ideals of masculine beauty that the artist had searched for throughout his career. Symonds's translation of the poems was one of the first to overcome the censorship that had plagued previous editions. This copy INSCRIBED "Edith H. Cave/From the Translator" on the half-title page in what is likely not Symonds's hand. Mild rubbing to spine edges. Near Fine. Item #012666
Price: $250.00