1745 life of Vespucci by BANDINI

BANDINI, Angelo Maria Vita e Lettere di Amerigo Vespucci Gentiluomo Fiorentino Raccolte e Illustrate dall' Abate Angelo Maria Bandini. Florence: Stamperia All' Insegna de Apollo, 1745. Small quarto, wide margins (9 ½ x 7 inches, 240x180 mm). Engraved vignette on the title page, one woodcut illustration within the text. Contemporary paper boards. Condition: minor foxing and soiling. This important biography of Vespucci, which includes his letters describing voyages to America, is described by Sabin as "an elaborate panegyric of Vespucius, in which he is called the Discoverer of America." "This classic work is much sought after...It can be affirmed that the book's publication inflamed the literary controversy about Vespucci that impassioned the greatest 'Americanists' of ensuing decades. It is an indispensable work, a true landmark in Vespucian studies" (Borba de Moraes). Borba De Moraes, p.59; European Americana 745/218; Palau 23255; Sabin 3149; JCB (1) III:793.