Alessandro Caravia (1503-68). Il sogno dil Caravia

Venice, Giovann'Antonio di Nicolini da Sabbio, May 1541. 1st ed. Large title-p. woodcut, 5 in-text ills. Hcalf w. marbled paper boards, ribbed spine. Sm. 4to. Covers worn, title-p. and last 2 p. restored (some loss of text), browning/ foxing.

The poem is about the author's strange dream of his old friend, Giovanni Paolo di Leopardi, returning to visit him after his death. The old man was convinced that he would be granted entry into heaven and was subsequently shocked at being escorted to hell. The work was regarded by the ecclesiastical authorities as hostile to the teachings of the church and was rigorously suppressed. Sander 1713 and plate 393. Rare.