No. 4 - The 'Salottino del Governatore' - A collection of valuable antique books

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by Simonetta SchioppaDecember 2021

Between 1941 and 1950, the Bank of Italy assembled a small collection of beautifully illustrated and richly bound antique and rare editions, some of them originating from important holdings. The intention was to preserve a cultural legacy that might otherwise have been dispersed, especially during the war. There was also the desire to create, along with the Bank's prestigious collection of paintings, objets d'art, coins and furnishings, a permanent testament to some of the most valuable products of European typographical prowess. Governor Luigi Einaudi wanted these precious books to be placed in a glass cabinet in the antechamber of his office, his 'Salottino', hence the name of the collection. This catalogue contains a bibliographical description of the publications and an explanation of how the rare and sometimes unique volumes were authenticated, together with painstaking research on archive documents and a rich set of images. This will enhance this valuable book collection and help publicize the Paolo Baffi Library's holdings, showcasing not only their importance in terms of economic knowledge but also for culture in all its many forms.

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