35 - TOMASSO ALBERTI: VIAGGIO A CONSTANTINOPOLI DI TOMASSO ALBERTI (1609-1621). BOLOGNA 1889

TOMASSO ALBERTI: VIAGGIO A CONSTANTINOPOLI DI TOMASSO ALBERTI (1609-1621). BOLOGNA 1889 FIRST EDITION. In 8vo, contemporary green cloth preserving publishers' paper cover, text clean and bright, complete 210 pages, in almost fine condition. Tomasso Alberti was a Venetian trader who travelled widely in the Levant from 1609 to 1621.Alberto Bacchi della Lega, an Italian researcher of late 19th century, found his 17th century manuscript,MS 99 of the University of Bologna and published it in a restricted edition of 202 numbered copies,this one being number 81. Alberti travelled first, in 1609, to Constantinople by sea,he kept detailed notes on several occasions,he compiled his manuscript shortly after his final return in 1621 by land.Seems that stayed all these years to Constantinople as a Venetian trader established there.He provides invaluable information for the trade with the Levant,the opportunities and resources of the places,their administration and their population. He toured extensively around Constantinople,as he mentions visits in several places in Thrace (Raidestos, Andrianoupolis etc) and nearby Anatolia (Broussa, Nicomedia etc.). Of particular interest are the fine descriptions of local ceremonies, including dresses, food, music etc. An invaluable account of the utmost rarity.