Through the Apennines and the Lands of the Abruzzi, Estella Canziani — 1st Ed
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Publication: Cambridge, W. Heffer & Sons Ltd, 1928
Formatting: 8vo, pp. xiv, 339.
Condition Report: Good. The original publisher’s blue cloth binding remains structurally tight and sound, though it exhibits notable cosmetic wear, most prominently in the form of several dark splash marks and dampstains to the front and rear boards. The striking gilt Abruzzese talisman device on the front cover and the spine lettering remain reasonably bright and unoxidised despite the surrounding board wear, while the spine tips and corners show mild bumping and rubbing from shelf use. Internally, the text block is securely bound and the pages are largely clean; however, the untrimmed edges display moderate age-toning and scattered foxing that occasionally creeps into the extreme page margins. A previous owner’s neat ink signature is present on the front pastedown alongside a tipped-in clipping of the original dustwrapper flap, adding a touch of historical character without detracting from the text.
Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, first impression, of Estella Canziani’s rich ethnographic study of the Abruzzi region. The volume is profusely illustrated, featuring twenty-four beautiful colour plates mounted onto thick grey art paper, alongside numerous black-and-white line drawings by Canziani, elegantly capturing the peasant life and landscapes of the Apennines.
An interesting point of provenance is the preservation of the original publisher’s dustwrapper flap, which has been neatly tipped-in onto the front pastedown. This clipping retains the original printed price of "25/- NET" and provides an engaging contemporary summary of the book, sitting just beneath the early ink ownership signature of a C.E. Bowler.
True first editions of this work in the original publisher's cloth have become increasingly scarce on the open market. While modern print-on-demand copies are ubiquitous, finding the 1928 Heffer edition with all mounted plates intact is an uncommon occurrence, making this a solid reference or collector's copy despite the external board wear.
Through the Apennines and the Lands of the Abruzzi is a captivating and richly illustrated ethnographic travelogue that documents the folklore, daily lives, and deeply rooted customs of the peasantry in the remote central Italian provinces. Written and illustrated by the talented Anglo-Italian artist Estella Canziani, the book serves as a vital historical record of a rugged, mountainous world that was, even in 1928, largely untouched by modern civilisation. Through vibrant paintings and intimate observations, Canziani offers an enduring window into the traditional costumes, beliefs, and vibrant culture of the Apennines.
Book Condition: Good
Book Authors: Estella Canziani
Book Publisher: W. Heffer & Sons Ltd
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Travel, Exploration & Adventure
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 353
Book Publication Year: 1928
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Estella Canziani
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
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