Item ID: 6081 Mûriers et Vers-a-Soie. Joseph Ignace GHILIOSSI DE LEMIE.

Mûriers et Vers-a-Soie.

4 p.l., 74, [2] pp. 8vo, cont. green straight-grained sheep maroquiné, sides decorated in gilt, flat spine gilt, a.e.g. Cuneo: P. Rossi, 1812.

First edition and a very rare provincial imprint. Ghiliossi, a resident of Cuneo in the Piedmont of northern Italy, was active in developing the agriculture and industries of the Cuneo area. The silk industry began to develop in the region in the 16th century and, by the early 19th century, became the predominant commercial activity.

In this work, Ghiliossi provides an excellent history of the growth of industry in Cuneo. He then goes on to the process of sericulture from the rearing of silkworms to cocoons and then the manufacture of silk. The development of the industry was greatly encouraged by the government and there is much information on the laws and regulations which governed the manufacture and trade in silk. Ghiliossi describes a number of processes which he claims are unique in the region.

He also gives a history of the early silk spinning and weaving machinery powered by water.

Fine and handsome copy. Corners a bit rubbed. Bookplate of Maurice Desgeorge of Lyon.

❧ Hagen, I, p. 279.

Price: $3,500.00

Item ID: 6081