This is a rare copy of the so-called “Dantino”, that is, a microscopic edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy printed in Padua in 1878 by Antonio and Luigi Salmin (Bondy 1981). The Salmin brothers were booksellers and printers best known for using minuscule types known as “occhio di mosca” (Enciclopedia italiana 1936). Commissioned by the Milanese publisher and bookseller Giacomo Gnocchi, and fused in 1850, the types used for this edition were eventually purchased by Ulrico Hoepli, who reprinted this edition during the same year (Mambelli 1965). The Salmin brothers reused the types of the “Dantino” for the last time to print Galileo’s Letter to Cristina of Lorena in 1896, which some consider the smallest book ever printed. Although the types are now lost, the punches used to manufacture this edition are still visible at the Museo dell’Arte Tipografica di Torino. A daring feat in the art of typography, the edition also includes a fine portrait of Dante.
Prior to its arrival at McGill, the item on display used to belong to Lawrence M. Lande (1906-1998). Like other books and papers Lande donated to McGill University -- which include, among other rarities, a notable selection of William Blake’s manuscripts -- this microscopic edition of Dante’s Commedia showcases its donor’s taste for rare books and bibliographic curiosities.
Full title: La Divina Commedia di Dante.
Author: Dante Alighieri (1265-1321).
Contents: The Divine Comedy.
Date of publication: 1878.
Place of publication: Padua, Italy.
Publisher: Antonio and Luigi Salmin (19th century).
Languages: Italian.
Physical description: [6] + 499 + [1] p. In-128°. 50 x 30 mm.
Call number: McGill Rare Books and Special Collections, PQ 4302 E78b.
Catalogue: https://mcgill.on.worldcat.org...
Previous owners: Lawrence Montague Lande (1906-1998).
Ex-libris and Stamps: N.A.
History of this Copy: Prior to its arrival at McGill, the item on display used to belong to Lawrence M. Lande (1906-1998). Like other books and papers Lande donated to McGill University -- which include, among other rarities, a notable selection of William Blake’s manuscripts -- this microscopic edition of Dante’s Commedia showcases its donor’s taste for rare books and bibliographic curiosities.
Notes: The Salmin brothers reused the types of the “Dantino” for the last time to print Galileo’s Letter to Cristina of Lorena in 1896, which some consider the smallest book ever printed. Whereas the types are now lost, the punches used for this edition are still visible at the Museo dell’Arte Tipografica di Torino.
Bibliography
Bondy, Louis W. 1981. Miniature Books. Their History from the Beginnings to the Present Day. London: Sheppard Press.
Enciclopedia Italiana. 1936. S.v. “Salmin, Antonio e Luigi” par G. Avanzi. Roma: Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana; Milano: Rizzoli. 1936. https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/antonio-e-luigi-salmin_%28Enciclopedia-Italiana%29/ (accessed August 1st, 2021).
Mambelli, Giuliano. 1931. Gli annali delle edizioni dantesche con XLVI tavole fuori testo; contributo ad una bibliografia definitiva. Bologna: Zanichelli.
Author and date of the record: Matteo Soranzo, 05/05/2021.
