with the title page ("Imperia. Libretto in tre parte di F.M. Piave"), preface and cast list, written in brown ink, with some apparently "authorial" deletions and alterations in black ink, most probably by the aged and infirm author ("Ne invita alto decreto"; "L'eterno all'opra nostra"), a phrase deleted ("delle Santi Chiavi") deleted and replaced with "Roma"

39 pages, small 4to (c.23.5 x 17.5cm), a sequence of 10 numbered bifolia, remains of stitching, no place or date, [1867]

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Piave (1810-1876) was the librettist of Verdi's Ernani, I due Foscari, Macbeth, Il corsaro, Stiffelio, Rigoletto, La traviata, Simon Boccanegra, Aroldo and La forza del destino. He suffered a catastrophic stroke at the end of 1867 which left him paralyzed for the remaining nine years of his life. This libretto was neither set nor published and is apparently unrecorded. Although Piave places the action in the 1570s, he tells us that his plot derives from the story of the great Roman courtesan Imperia Cognati (1486-1512), whose daughter is now living in Rome under the assumed name of Giulia.  The principal characters are "Imperia, orfanella creduta Giulia...Soprano; Ascanio, soldato...1 tenore; Petrucci, patrizio romano...Baritono; Marcantonio Colonna, il gran Capitano...Basso prof[ondo]."