The work became a best - seller in Italy for the next 100 years .
This entry in the catalogue raises the possibility that those very copies , purchased in February 1765 , were the precipitating factor in its popularity there .
The work became a best - seller in Italy for the next 100 years , and this entry in the catalogue raises the possibility that those very copies , purchased in February 1765 , were the precipitating factor in its popularity there .