Books and Manuscripts

Venice: Gio. Andrea Valuassori, 1571. Bound with Scielta di notabili avvertimenti... Parts bound out of order. 8vo. 71, (1); (12), 96, (113)-163, (1) pp.; lacking pp. 97-112 in Ordini di calvalcare... From the library of American zoologist and head of the Department of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bashford Dean, with his book-plate on front paste-down. Inscription on front free endpaper, signed by American artist and colleague of Dean's in the Arms and Armor Department, Stanley J. Rowland. Illustrated with 50 woodcuts. Nineteenth-century three-quarter vellum over marbled paper-covered boards, worn and soiled; title-page of Scielta di notabili repaired; many gutters repaired; soiling to text and plate leaves; scattered marginalia.

A scarce early edition in Italian of Federico Grisone's influential work on equitation, considered the first modern equestrian treatise. Originally published in Naples in 1550, Grisone was a respected horse rider and trainer, and founder of the Naples Equestrian Academy. This Rules of Horsemanship was an immediate best seller, and his ideas quickly spread throughout Europe. Between 1550-1621, there were 20 Italian editions printed, 15 French translations, six English translations, seven German, and one Spanish. Grisone's methods are now considered controversial, as his harsh training was based on the complete subjugation of the horse, often through beating.

From the library of bibliographer, bookseller, and arms collector, Raymond L.J. Riling (1896-1974).