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(ARCHITECTURE). PIRANESI, GIOVANNI. (Miscellaneous). Prima parte di architetture e prospettive. Etched title and 27 numbered plates. Plate numbers 17-21 each contain two smaller engravings, plates 22-27 are double-page. Marginal foxing on the title page and plates 6, 7, 9, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. Light marginal stains on plates 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 21. Small, restored tear in the upper left corner of Plate 24. Overall, a fine copy. 19th-century full calf binding with blind floral impressions on the edges of the boards, with double or triple gold fillet. Floral gilt dentelles. Spine rebacked. Tall folio. Focillon I, A-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13; B-14,15,16,17,18; D-20,21,22,23; I-121,122,123,124,125,126,127,128,129,130,131,132. Robinson, 1-13; 15-20; 21-24. (Paris circa 1800). The 1743 Prima parte is the earliest book of prints by Piranesi and the first expression of his love of architecture and ancient Rome. The architecture depicted by Piranesi is a combination of reality and fantasy presented by way of complex compositions. This fresh volume corresponds to the first Paris edition, dated by Robinson 1800-1809. The work brings together some of the most fascinating and refined series engraved by Piranesi: The famous "Groteschi" (or "Capricci"), first published in 1747-1749 as an independent work, which represent the artist's most effervescent, luminous, and "Venetian" character, influenced by the etchings of Tiepolo and Castiglione; and the "First Part of Architecture" (first published in 1743), which after the "Carceri" represents the most refined and important work of invention. With its scenographic grandeur and its reconstruction, somewhere between the philological and the fantastic, of the architectural grandeur of ancient Rome, it had a great influence, especially among neoclassical architects. After its first publication with 13 plates, the series was then expanded with another 5 and reprinted together with the "Groteschi" by Bouchard under the title of "Opere varie" (first ed. Rome, 1750). In subsequent editions, the small engravings illustrating the "Letters to Milord Charlemont" (1757) were also included, which in the "Opere varie" are grouped two per page and occupy plates 17-21. This insertion and the numbering of the plates in progression up to the "Groteschi" which occupy nos. 24-27, occurred in the third edition (ca. 1790) known as the "Roman posthumous." This copy (see the watermarks appearing on plates 23-27 (Robinson no. 78)), corresponds to the fourth edition (first Paris edition) of 1800-09. Detailed listing of the plates available upon request.