004976 Henry G. Bohn London 1850 4.5 x 7.5" Decorative Cloth Very Good + 504pp inc index, tissue-protected b&w frontis portrait of Cellini (by either Vasari or Hinchcliff, both names appear in the caption) and index - Autobiography of the Renaissance goldsmith and sculptor. A true "Renaissance Man" in all meanings of the term. He lived, loved, created and fought from 1500-1571. In addition to everything else, he was not only an "author and soldier, but also a hooligan and even avenging killer," according to the Italian Culture and History web site. <BR> Edward J. Lowell, in a 1960s review of the book said, "The autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini may well be considered one of the masterpieces of general literature. It is worthy to be named with Don Quixote, or the Confessions of Rousseau. The book, however, is not fit for all readers. In Benvenuto's day the refined young lady and her excellent instructress, who stand as salutary restraints before the eyes of the modern writer, were quite unheard of. <BR> "The pen of Cellini is as free as his sword was ready, or his chisel skilful. A good deal of this freedom comes from the nature of the man, a good deal from the license of the times," Lowell concluded. Covers (dark green cloth, ornately blind-stamped front and rear boards with similar blind-stamping and gilt titles to spine) is worn and soiled with some bubbling of cloth to spine. Textblock is clean and tight with Publisher's catalogue to EPs front and rear and Ex-Libris plate of "Benn W Levy" (presumably the playwright and theatre director, Benn Wolfe Levy (1900-1974) who was born in London and educated at Repton School and University College, Oxford, although this has yet to be confirmed) to FEP. £25.00GBP
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