212 - FOLENGO, Theofilo.

FOLENGO, Theofilo. Opus Merlini Cocaii poetæ mantuani macaronicorum… Amstelodami (Naples), Apud Abrahamum à Someren, 1692. Small square 12mo, (30)-419-(4) pp. On laid paper, portrait frontispiece, 26 engraved figures, and initials. 19th-century fawn half-calf, smooth spine, blind-stamped and gilt fillets, gilt title, “Macarronea” and date on the spine, blue-speckled edges (slight wear to the cap edges, title page discreetly restored). Bibliography: Graesse II, 608. Nodier, 271. Description: A fine 17th-century edition illustrated with delicate black etchings. A masterpiece of burlesque poetry, *La Macaronée* is a Neo-Latin poem in 25 cantos that parodies epic legends and chivalric literature; it is highly imaginative and written with remarkable verve. First published in 1521, this poem made its author famous and is illustrated here with charming vignettes depicting scenes from Dante’s works—some whimsical, others warlike—blending mythological figures, fantastical beasts, and evocations of the underworld… Includes a bust portrait of the author, etched on fine laid paper. A Benedictine monk, Folengo (1491–1544) ran away with a woman at the age of 20, only to return after 15 years of a bohemian lifestyle to write his magnum opus. He was the one who invented “macaronic language”—hence the name of his poem—a delightful blend of colloquial Latin and the Tuscan dialect. He is even said to have inspired Rabelais, whose style reflects Folengo’s verve.