Il Tatuaggio
Napoli: Gennaro M. Priore, 1905. 8vo, 281 pp, complete with all 15 plates as called for. early rebind in workmanlike green cloth, not preserving the original wraps, with typewritten title label affixed to spine. Red silk bookmark bound in.
First edition of this important early study of tattoos and tattooing, written by a doctor and anthropologist who wrote often on criminology and was a follower of Lombroso. The 15 plates, all of which are present here, are beautifully drawn from life and are a rare and evocative record. The final plate in particular is dedicated to tattoos of prostitutes and prints some of the most beautiful and unusual tattoos we've seen recorded from this period.
A "facsimile" was issued in 1973, in a somewhat different format and with a different cover. A fragile and delicate book which is often found lacking the original wraps, rebound, or incomplete. OCLC locates only 2 holdings.
Some minor darkening and rubbing to cloth and title label, binding cracked in a couple places, but holding. There is page toning, a couple of shallow chips to plate xii and a small numeral written in ink on rear endpaper, else very good. Item #28802
Price: $300.00