Rare first edition, in the original Italian, of the first book devoted exclusively to stage design, stage architecture, machinery and special effects on stage. It is written in the form of directions to the architect who must transform a hall of state into a theatre. The author takes the reader backstage and reveals the secrets of the elaborate effects so often found in Renaissance theatre. He deals with the general problems of theatre construction, audience arrangement, scene construction and lighting. It is our main source of information on the scenic practice in the Italian Renaissance theatre and helped to spread that practice throughout Europe. From 1610 Sabbattini (1574-1654) had worked in Pesaro as chief architect and engineer in service of Francesco Maria Della Rovere (1549-1631), last Duke of Urbino.
With early owners' inscriptions on title-page. With unobtrusive marginal restorations in the first and last leaves, including the blank lower half of the final leaf, and some faint stains, but otherwise in good condition. Spine of wrapper restored. Rare first edition of an essential source for any study of Renaissance theatre. Berlin Kat. 2785; ICCU (5 copies); Percy Muir, Talks on book collecting, 1952, p. 96; Quagliarini, Costruzioni in legno nei teatri, 2008, pp. 100-101.