ROGADEI, Giovanni Donato. Del ricevimento de' cavalieri e degli altri fratelli dell' insigne Ordine Gerosolimitano della veneranda lingua d'Italia. Naples: Orsino, 1785. Rare and significant work on the recognition of nobility within the Order of Malta, treated with meticulous attention to ceremonial and legal detail. Rogadei outlines a thoroughly aristocratic vision of nobility, more in line with the oligarchic republican model than the monarchical one. The work had long-lasting influence: it was employed by the Republic of San Marino to uphold its nobiliary prerogative until the abolition of its noble system in 1980, and it continues to hold juridical and symbolic value within the Order of Malta for assessing the noble ancestry of certain members. 4to (300 x 200mm). Engraved title-page (slight foxing); bound in contemporary vellum, gilt lettering-piece to spine, green silk place-marker. (1)