Fascinating collection of 15 items related to the Unification of Italy, containing handwritten letters, notes, and poems from notable Italian figures and patriots like Giuseppe Mazzini, Count of Cavour, Cesare Battisti, Nino Bixio, Arnaldo Fusinato, and others. Dated between 1838 and 1900, the collection is highlighted by three manuscript poems from Fusinato, which include ‘L'ultima ora di libertà,’ ‘Le due Madri Ballata,’ and an early copy of 'Brindisi.’ Also included are letters and notes by Mazzini (one in French, dated June 17, 1852, regarding “manifeste Sicilien”), a handwritten letter from Cavour to the Chevalier De Bry, postmarked February 1, 1854, about “la supression du bagne de Villefranc[h]e,” ALSs from Bixio and Battisti, a cabinet photograph of Bixio, and two period booklets commemorating the death and life of Battisti, published by Sede Dell’Unione in 1917. In overall fine condition.
‘L'ultima ora di libertà’ would appear to be an early title for Fusinato's celebrated poem ‘L'ultima ora di Venezia,’ (or "La bandiera bianca"), one of the classics of the Italian Risorgimento. The poem reflects the poet's despair at the fall of the short-lived Repubblica di San Marco in 1849 to the Austrians. After fighting in defense of Vicenza, Fusinato was stationed as a lieutenant on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio near Venice, where, despite heroic resistance, the Austrians quickly recaptured the city. This manuscript includes the famous lines "Venezia! l'ultima / Ora e venuta: Illustre Martire / Tu sei perduta / Il morbo infuria / il pan ti manca / Sul ponte sventola / Bandiera bianca,” which then reappear altered at the end of this manuscript.
