This book is a one-of-a-kind window into 19th-century classical education. Step back into the schoolrooms of 1840s Italy with this remarkable, uniquely customized copy of Epitome Historiae Sacrae by renowned French grammarian Charles-François Lhomond. Published in 1830 in Turin, Italy (Augustæ Taurinorum) by the prestigious Royal Press (Ex Typographia Regia), this textbook includes a specialized Latin-to-Italian dictionary intended for intermediate secondary students (Ad usum quintæ classis).
The title page features the beautifully crisp official coat of arms of the House of Savoy, issued Cum Privilegio (with royal permission). The Unique Artistic Provenance & "Folk Art" Cover: What makes this specific volume exceptionally collectible is its deeply personal history. Rather than a standard plain cover or a modular papier dominoté print, the outer board serves as a raw canvas for fascinating, free-form hand-inked abstract calligraphic squiggles and organic patterns with subtle green and reddish undertones.
Opening the book reveals the original owner’s handwritten signature in beautiful Italian cursive:
"Deagostini Carlo, li 20 di 9bre [Novembre] 1842"
Directly beneath his signature, young Carlo left an endearing, detailed hand-drawn ink sketch of an insect (resembling a wasp or bee). It is a marvelous example of a 19th-century student personalizing their schoolwork.
Product Specifications
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Author: Charles-François Lhomond
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Publication Date: 1830 (Ownership inscription dated November 20, 1842)
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Language: Latin with Italian Lexicon
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Publisher: Ex Typographia Regia (Royal Press), Turin
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Dimensions: Pocket-sized school format (Approx. 6.25" x 4"). 242 pages.
