CARAFA Diomede, “De Regis et boni principis officio”, Naples, Apud Gastaldum, 1668. Small 8vo, pp. [14], 88, [8]. In Latin, wood-cut engraved initials and chapter ornaments.

The very rare and early work along political morality, with practical advices for good governing (administration of the State and justice, trade, treasury management and tax system), written by Diomede Carafa the Neapolitan noble, faithful partisan of Alfonso I of Aragon and great art collector. This work was written ~1480, but the work was printed in the current edition of 1668, translated in Latin.

Contemporary full vellum, boards paneled in gilt with blind-stamped coat of arms in gilt. External rubbing and soiling, few holes. Signs of marginal water-stain throughout, small marginal worm-holes from pp.69 to the end, inner hinge partly cracked with few sheets partly loose.