Fine Books and Manuscripts

Gallini, Giovanni-Andrea. A Treatise on the Art of Dancing. London: Printed for the author and sold by J. Dodsley, 1765. Second edition, originally published in 1762. Contemporary full calf, 5 raised bands, compartments with gilt filets, red morocco spine label titled in gilt, red speckled edges. Illustrated with a folding engraved plate of a Chinese procession. 8vo. Lacking half-title, [ii]-xvi, [17]-292pp., with preliminary and terminal leaves. Extremities lightly dried and rubbed; including joints, spine darkened, interior joints weak with pale spotting at endpapers, contemporary armorial bookplate from one of two late 18th century Baron Dacre of England (based on the evidence that the engraver of the bookplate, William Austin, was a master engraving from the second half of the 18th century); a generally clean copy with bright interior. Rare. ESTC N13981. Last seen at auction (Sotheby’s’ historic ‘Jack Cole Collection of Book and Pictures on the Dance) in 1979, ESTC locates only 11 copies held in institutions and libraries.