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Antique German books from 1874, this handsome three-volume Wanderjahre in Italien collection by Ferdinand Gregorovius features leather bindings, ornate gilt spines and beautifully marbled page edges. What makes this set especially striking is the wonderful combination of genuine age, old-world character and a fascinating literary journey through 19th-century Italy.
Written by German historian Ferdinand Gregorovius and published by F. A. Brockhaus in Leipzig, Wanderjahre in Italien—roughly translated as “Wander Years in Italy”—grew from Gregorovius’s travels and years spent in Italy. His essays blend travel writing, history and cultural observation, taking the reader through Italian cities, landscapes, monuments and everyday life. The larger work eventually comprised five volumes; this offering includes Volumes 1, 2 and 3, all dated 1874.
Why I Chose This Piece
I fell for the spines first. The worn black leather, intricate gold decoration and marbled edges have exactly the timeworn European-library look I love—and then I discovered that the books themselves are devoted to traveling through Italy, which made them even more special.
About This Piece
- Author: Ferdinand Gregorovius
- Title: Wanderjahre in Italien
- Volumes: 1, 2 and 3
- Publisher: F. A. Brockhaus, Leipzig
- Date: 1874
- Era: 1870s / Victorian era
- Language: German
- Material: Leather-bound hardcover books with paper pages
- Size: Approx. 7" x 4.5" each
- Ornate gilt lettering and decoration along the spines
- Raised spine bands
- Beautiful marbled page edges
- Matching three-volume presentation
- Previous owner's handwritten inscription present
- Visible foxing and age toning to pages
- Leather and covers show rubbing, losses and wear from approximately 150 years of age
- Offered as a three-book set
What These Books Are About
Gregorovius was a German historian who spent many years traveling and living in Italy. Wanderjahre in Italien brings together his observations of the country's history, architecture, landscapes, people and culture, written with the perspective of both a historian and a traveler.
These first three volumes include writings associated with Figuren: Geschichte, Leben und Scenerie aus Italien, Lateinische Sommer, and Siciliana, taking readers through subjects and places ranging from Rome and the surrounding countryside to Naples, Capri and Sicily.
Ideas for Use
- Create an old-world library or study display
- Style on a bookshelf, mantel or console
- Pair with brass, pewter or European antiques
- Add to an antiquarian or German-language book collection
- A distinctive gift for an Italy lover, historian or bibliophile
A Note on Vintage:
Vintage items often carry gentle signs of age that add to their unique character. Please review all photos closely to ensure this piece is the perfect fit for you.
Shipping & Packaging:
Your piece will be carefully wrapped and securely packaged for safe arrival. I’m committed to eco-friendly practices and use recycled materials whenever possible to protect your treasures and the environment.
Thank you for visiting Angela’s Finds and Faves — where every piece is chosen with a stylist’s eye and a passion for giving beautiful things a new chapter.
