Step back into the late 18th century with this exceptionally rare and beautifully preserved copy of Ristretto della vita del B. Leonardo da Porto Maurizio. Published around 1796, this historical volume captures the life, apostolic missions, and spiritual legacy of the beloved Franciscan friar, St. Leonard of Port Maurice (1676–1751), written by the postulatore of his cause, Father Giuseppe Maria di Masserano.
What truly sets this specimen apart is its spectacular original papier dominoté (domino paper) wrapper. Rather than being rebound in heavy leather or plain cloth during the 19th century, this book has miraculously survived in its original, temporary "ad interim" binding.
Handcrafted by 18th-century dominotiers, the cover features a striking, multi-toned pattern of horizontal bands adorned with block-printed floral vignettes and foliage motifs. The dark gray outlines were impressed via hand-carved woodblocks, while the rustic orange and terracotta tones were carefully applied using period-accurate stencils. Finding an intact, non-structural domino paper cover from this era is an absolute rarity for historians, bibliophiles, and collectors of decorative arts.
The book measures 4.75" x 7.2" and is 88 pages long. It is in Excellent antique condition given the fragile nature of 18th-century paper wrappers. The papier dominoté retains vivid pigmentation with expected shelf wear, mild softening at the corners, and minor spine creasing typical of flexible binding. The pages are intact, tight to the block, and printed on heavy, beautiful handmade rag paper showing light, natural age-toning and occasional foxing consistent with age. No major tearing or heavy structural compromises.
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Title: Ristretto della Vita del B. Leonardo da Porto Maurizio
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Author: P.F. Giuseppe Maria di Masserano
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Date of Publication: Circa 1796 (Late 18th Century)
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Imprint / Press: In Bologna ed in Faenza per l'Archi
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Language: Italian
- Binding: Original, intact Papier Dominoté (woodblock-printed and stenciled domino paper wrapper)
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