GENTILINI (Franco) - MANZINI (Gianna). Cara Prigione. Milan: Fiumara, [1950]. — Folio, 335 x 238: (1 fol.), 9 pp., (1 fol.), 6 plates, printed cover. Unbound. A rare first edition of this work by novelist Gianna Manzini (1896–1974), illustrated with 6 plates by Italian painter Franco GENTILINI (1909–1981). Cara Prigione means “Dear Prison.” In this story, the author explores the boundary between life and death, and the way in which art can capture the invisible essence of existence. The story first appeared in the newspaper *Milano-Sera* on March 7, 1946, before being included in the collection *Forte come un leone* (1947). Limited edition of 110 copies signed by the artist on the colophon page; this copy is one of the 100 numbered from 1 to 100. Copy number 1, including all the plates numbered and signed by the artist. It is in perfect condition.