WHARTON, Edith. Italian Villas and their Gardens. Illustrated with Pictures by Maxfield Parrish and Photographs. NY: Century, 1904. 4to, xii 270pp. Green boards pictorially stamped in gilt, white, blue, brown and light green; t.e.g. 15 color and 11 b&w plates by Maxfield Parrish and numerous photographs. A clean, bright copy with wear to spine ends and corners, rear board lightly scratched, light rubbing to lower edge, verso of plates lightly aged, previous owner's bookplate on front fixed endpaper.

First edition. The first of two books early 20th century writer Edith Wharton wrote about her travels through the Italian countryside, Italian Villas and Their Gardens focuses on the elaborate and finely tuned mansions and great houses around such cities as Rome and Florence. Wharton uses her keen eye and sharp wit to create a complete image of some of the most impressive sights off the beaten track. Maxfield Parrish's 26 masterful illustrations bring these wonderful houses and gardens to fresh life, making this one of the more profusely illustrated books of Parrish's career.