D’ARNAY, Jean Rodolphe; AMATO, Domenico (tr.)

 

D’ARNAY, Jean Rodolphe; AMATO, Domenico (tr.). Della vita privata de’ Romani. Traduzione colla giunta di varie annotazioni di Domenico Amato.

 

Napoli: Nella Stamperia Simoniana, 1763.

 

£ 120

 

 

8vo (20 x 12.5 cm). 400 pp. Half-title and title page. Roman and Italic type, in Italian. Browning, foxing and water-staining throughout, not affecting text. Vellum with blind-stamped decoration on upper and lower covers; staining and wear on both covers; split spine; gilt title on spine. Ex-libris of the Society of the Sacred Mission of Kelham Hall (Newark) glued on top pastedown.

 

 

This book contains the Italian translation by Domenico Amato of Jean Rodolphe D’Arnay’s French original De la vie privée des Romains (Lausanne, 1752). This work was very popular and was republished with additions in 1757 and again in 1795.  The author describes all the different aspects of the daily life of the Romans, including their prayers, customs, gardens, and libraries. Chapter 3 is devoted to meals, dining rooms, ablutions, buffets, libations, feasts, drinks and wines, music and games. Other chapters concern the toilette, costumes and clothing, jewellery, marriage, wedding feasts, sexual mores and family life.