16th Century Literature

1597 1st ed Confessio Pope Gregory I Catholic Church Sacraments Miracles Petreus

"There are some so restless that when they are free from labour they labour all the more, because the leisure they have for thought, the worse interior turmoil they have to bear."
― Gregory the Great

Pope Gregory I was one of the most important figures of the establishment and growth of the Catholic Church. This 1597 Cologne edition of the works of Pope Gregory were collected and edited by Theodor Petreus. It includes Gregory's views on the sacraments, on purgatory and heaven, the antichrist, miracles, and heretics.

Item number: #8028
Price: $850
GREGORY I, Pope
Confessio Gregoriana in libros qvatvor digesta: qvibvs continetvr, qvid de iis fidei christianæ dogmatibus... quae nostro hoc saeculo in controuer-siam vocantur, ante annos plus minus mille sen-serit praestantissimus Ecclesiae Doctor ac Pontifex GREGORIVS MAGNVS. Ex omnibus ciusdem D. GREGORII ... Operibus ... colle-cta ... opera ac studio F. THEODORI… Read More

1587 Capuchin Titelmans Bible Psalms & Commentary Venice Latin Catholic Friar
Franciscus Titelmans was a 16th-century Capuchin friar who is best remembered for his studies on the New Testament epistles. One of his best works was his treatise and commentary on the Book of Psalms. This work describes the language used in the Psalms of David with extensive annotations and scripture cross-references for each book.
Item number: #17304
Price: $750
TITELMANS, Franciscus
Elucidatio in omnes psalmos : iuxta veritatem vulgatae & Ecclesiæ usitatæ æditionis Latinæ ... : adiuncta est Elucidatio Canticorum ... : subsequuntur Annotationes ex Hebræo atque Caldæo ...
Venezia : Ex officina Gasparis Bindoni(IS), Bindoni, Gaspare, il vecchio, 1587.

Details:
·
Collation: Complete with all pages
o
[16], 1730 numbered columns, 93 leaves
· References: USTC 859131

· Language: Latin
· Binding: Vellum; tight and secure
· Size: ~8in X 6.25in (20.5cm x 16.5cm)
Our Guarantee:
Very… Read More

in officina Frobeniana per Hieronymum Frobenium, & Nicolaum Episcopium, 1538. First Edition. Leather Bound. Good. Folio, pp. [28], 398 (i.e. 389), [11]; woodcut printer's device on title and colophon, numerous woodcut initials throughout; full 18th century calf, gilt-decorated spine with gilt faded, bookplate of an early owner (Henry F. Brooks, Esq.) on the front inside board, title page has small holes on edge and bottom. Small pin hole on right edge through to page 26 where probably punched on wrong edge when getting ready to bind. Water stains and tanning mainly to front and back pages. Page 121 is hand written with a blank back and starts back on page 125. Index pages are creased with a blank between last two pages of index. Front cover is detached.

1587 German LAW Mynsinger von Frundeck Apotelesma Papal BANNED FORBIDDEN Index
Joachim Mynsinger von Frundeck was a 16th-century German lawyer known for his contributions to jurisprudence and German law. One of his better works is 'Apotelesma' – a study in law covering numerous topics including usury, marriage, and jurisdiction of the papacy among many others. This book was placed on the Prohibited Books Index. This 1587 edition was published in Venice by Joannem Baptista a Porta.
Item number: #17991
Price: $950
MYNSINGER von FRUNDECK, Joachim
Ioachimi Mynsingeri a Frundek, iureconsulti clarissimi Apotelesma, siue corpus perfectum scoliorum ad quatuor libros Institutionum iuris ciuilis. Iam denuo, sed multo faelicius quam antea, impressum
Venetiis : Apud Ioannem Baptistam a Porta, 1587.

Details:

· Collation: Complete with all pages
o
[68], 660
· References: curiously not found in the USTC
· Language: Latin
· Binding: Vellum; tight and secure
·
Size: ~12.25in X… Read More

1578 John Calvin Reformation Dialogues of Sebastien Castellion French Calvinism
Sébastien Châteillon was a 16th-century French preacher who is known for being one of the earliest Calvinist apologists in France. After leaving France, Castellion met John Calvin who was perhaps the most influential figure in Castellion's ministry. After preaching alongside Calvin, Castellion published his first book Sacred Dialogues – a work which only increased his popularity among central European Calvinists.
This 1578 first edition of 'Dialogues'
was published in Basel.
According to the USTC, this exceedingly rare 16th-century printing of Châteillon is only found in seven institutions worldwide and none found in the western hemisphere!

Item number: #18305
Price: $795
CASTELLION, Sebastien
Sebastiani Castellionis Dialogi IIII : de praedestinatione, de electione, de libero arbitrio, de fide : ejusdem Opuscula quaedam lectu dignissima ...
Aresdorffii [i.e. Basileae] : Per Theophil. Philadelph., 1578. First… Read More

1581 Catholic BIBLE Commentary Against Heresy & Heretics Reformation Capitonus
'Explicationes Catholicae' is a rare 16th-century commentary on both the Old and New Testaments, which, according to the title page, covers all the verses in the Bible. Author Felicianus Capitonus uses these commentaries to refute heretics of the time. This third part from the 1581 edition contains Paul's epistle to the Romans through the book of Revelation.
Item number: #19779
Price: $795
CAPITONUS, Felicianus
[Fel. Capitoni Explicationes Catholicae locorum fere omnium Vet. ac Novi Testamenti]… Explicationum Catholicarum, locorum S. scripturae… pars tertia
[Coloniae, 1581.]
Details:

· Collation: Complete with all pages;
o
911-1493, [57]
· References: USTC 655575
· Provenance: Stamp – Franziskaner Kloster Dettelbach
o
The Franciscan Monastery Dettelbach is a former monastery of the Franciscan Observants in Dettelbach, Bavaria in the Diocese of Würzburg. The founding and establishment of the… Read More

1569 Sozomen Church History Nicea Valentinian III Julian Apostate Arcadius ROME
Salamanes Sozomenos, more commonly known as Sozomen, was a 5th-century Roman historian best-remembered for his extensive histories of Christianity and the church. This book covers the entirety of the church from Constantine and the Nicean Council through Valentinian III, roughly a century of church history.
This particular 1569 volume contains the 9th and final book along with the sixth book of Sozomen – covering the reigns of emperors including Julian the Apostate, Arcadius, and Valentinian III.
Item number: #20419
Price: $950
SOZOMENUS, Salaminius
Historiae Ecclesiasticae Pars Tertia, Qva continentvr Hermiæ Sozomeni Salaminij lib. 9. Euagrij Scholastici Epiphanensis lib. 6.
Lovanii: Sassenus ; Birckmann 1569

Details:
· Collation: Complete with all pages;
o [64], 316 leaves (i.e., 319)
Pagination errors expected
o Signatures: + +a8 +b8 +c8 A-2R8
· References: USTC 407235 (this tome)
·… Read More

1551 1ed Denis the Carthusian BIBLE & Commentary New Testament Saint Paul FOLIO
The works of Denis the Carthusian were important contributions to Roman Catholic doctrine. He published some 900 sermons and began commenting on scripture in 1434, which became immensely popular after Pope Eugene IV promoted his works. In fact, he was so highly regarded, that he was considered an oracle and prophet by bishops and common men alike.
This folio collection of Denis's Bible commentaries was published in Paris in 1551 by Robert Masselin and features his commentary on the Pauline epistles.
Item number: #21323
Price: $750
DENIS, the Carthusian
D. Dionysii Carthusiani In omnes beati Pauli epistolas commentaria : cui quidem in componendis enarrandís que sacrarum literam libris… epistolas canonicas…
Parisiis: apud Robertum Masselin, 1551.

Details:

· Collation: Complete with all pages
o
Part 1: [8], 129 leaves
Errors in pagination throughout, expected
Signatures: a4 a-x6 y4
· References:… Read More

1586 1ed Celestine Crespet Catholic League Bible Mystique Pomme de Grenade RARE

Pierre Crespet was a 16th-century French Celestine theologian known for his involvement in the Catholic League. Crespet published numerous anti-Protestant treatises in his career and was known to have called Protestant heretics 'devil supporters'. In fact, Crespet foresaw Protestants as the downfall of France and called for them and all other heretics to be 'wiped out' (Pearl).

One of his best works was 'La pomme de grenade mystique' – a Catholic devotional filled with exercises for morning and evening prayer.

Item number: #21437
Price: $950

CRESPET, Pierre

La pomme de grenade mystique : ov Institvtion d'vne vierge chrestienne, & de l'ame deuote, qui fait profession de la vie continente

Paris: Chez Guillaume de la Nove, 1586. First edition.

Details:
• Collation: Complete with all pages
o [40], 250 leaves, [28]
o Signatures: ã8 ~e8 ~i4 A-Z8 Aa-Kk8
• References: Jonathan Pearl, 'Crime of Crimes'; USTC 14353… Read More

1550 Claude Guilliaud BIBLE Commentary Gospel of John FOLIO French Huguenot era

Claude Guilliaud was a 16th-century French theologian known for his Bible commentaries and sermons preached against heresy. His works were not seen as favorable by the Catholic Church and many of his works were placed on the Prohibited Books Index until he agreed to revise them (Farge). The first work to avoid being banned was his 'Ennarationes in Evangelium Johanni' – an annotated edition of the Gospel of John with commentary.

This impressive folio edition was published in 1550 in Lutetiae, Paris, bound in original 16th-century leather.

Item number: #21696
Price: $950

GUILLIAUD, Claude

In sacrosanctum Iesu Christi Euangelivm secvndvm Ioannem. Enarrationes, Ivxta Ervditorvm sententiam factæ, per sacræ theologiæ doctorem, Claudium Guilliaudum Belliiocensem

Lutetiae [Paris]: apud Ioannem Roigny, 1550.

Details:
• Collation: Complete with all pages
o [8], 17-581, [35]
o Signatures: a4 b-z8 A-M8 N-Q6 R4
•… Read More

1586 LAW Belgian Wesenbeck In Pandectas Juris Civilis Latin Slaves Gamblers 2in1

Matthew Wesenbeck was a 16th-century Belgian jurist and lawyer. He is known for writing only a few works on law, including this work "In Pandectarum" which is a commentary on the famous Juris Civilis. This edition 1586 of the law commentaries of Wesenbeck includes commentary and notes on various subjects including:
• Corrupting a slave
• Dealing with fugitives
• Punishment for gamblers
• Laws of purchase, and obtaining possessions

Item number: #22075
Price: $795

WESENBECK, Matthaeus

Imp. Caes. Ivstiniani Institvtionvm Lib. IIII. : Adnotationibus ac Notis doctiss. Scriptorum illustrati, quorum Catalogus sequenti pag. habetur ; Praeterea adiunximus Leges XII

Taurini: Apud heredes Nic. Bevilaque, 1586.

Details:
• Collation: Complete with all pages; 2 parts in 1
o "Institvtionvm Lib. IIII" – [12], 768, [36]
o "Enchiridion titvlorvm aliqvot ivris videlicet" – 223, [1]
• Language: Latin
• Binding:… Read More

1574 Saxonia Krantz Holy Roman Empire Gypsy Charlemagne Saxony FIGURES Binding

Albert Krantz was a 15th-century German historian whose principal work was on the history of Saxony, entitled 'Saxonia.' With the help of fellow poet-Laureate Jakob Canter, Krantz wrote of the events, rulers, and cultures of Saxony. In 1520, when Krantz first published 'Saxonia,' Saxony covered the extent of the Hanseatic League, and Krants treaded on myth, rather than purely providing historical accuracies. (Tilg, Knight).

Krantz also spoke profusely about Gypsies and Gypsy history. He referred to them as the scum of the nation who 'lived like dogs' without religion, and were a community of drifters, thieves, and beggars. (Willems). He also covers the rule of Duke Magnus and an extensive section on the reign of Charlemagne during the Holy Roman Empire.

This impressive 1574 edition was published in Cologne, bound in decorative vellum.

Item number: #22855
Price: $950

KRANTZ, Albert

Metropolis Sive Historia… Read More

1585 1ed Sententiae Portuguese Eborense Cicero Laelius de Amicitia Philosophy 2v

"A room without books is like a body without a soul."
― Marcus Tullius Cicero

Cicero was one of the most notable and prolific Roman figures of ancient Rome. His philosophical works and letters are considered the most reliable source of information for the period leading up to the fall of the Roman Republic. In the first century B.C., Cicero wrote a series of 'Sententiae', most notably his 'work 'Laelius De Amicitia' – a landmark survey of friendship and relationships. This treatise would serve as the basis for countless future works including 16th-century Portuguese philosopher André Rodrigues Eborense and his work 'Sententiae'.

This lot of the works of Eborense includes his "Exemplorum memorabilium", a philosophical study in Christian ethics.

Item number: #22979
Price: $950

EBORENSE, Andre Rodriques

Sententiae, et exempla ex probatissimis quibusque scriptoribus collecta, & per locos communes digesta, per… Read More

1529 GREEK Theophrastus BOTANY Philosophy Metaphysics Causes of PLANTS Botanical

"Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend."
― Theophrastus

Theophrastus was a 4th-century BC Greek philosopher known for his studies in metaphysics and logic of Aristotle and Plato. One of his remaining works was 'On the Causes of Plants', an extensive botanical treatise. In fact, this work is considered to be one of the most important works of botany from the middle ages. Theophrastus describes plant growth, instruction on planting and harvesting, soils and fertilizers, farming tools, and the medicinal properties of many plants.

This 1529 edition of Theophrastus' 'Plants' was published in Lutetia, or Paris, by Christian Wechel.

Item number: #24241
Price: $1950

THEOPHRASTUS

Theophrasti De Cavsis Plantarvm Libri VI. Theodoro Gaza Interprete

Lutetiæ: ex officina Christiani Wechel, 1529.

Details:
· Collation: Complete with all pages
o [19], 2-354, [24]
o Dozens of illustrated initials… Read More

1549 FAMED Alciati EMBLEMS Emblematica Herbal Medicine Mythology 100s Woodcuts
"Plenitudo potestatis nihil aliud est quam violentia." (The fullness of power is nothing more than violence).
― Andrea Alciati
An incredible first edition of Alciati's 'Emblemata'. This 1549 edition includes countless woodcut-engraved devices. These illustrations helped inspire thousands of imitations throughout Europe on secular and religious themes. The commentaries on each emblem were written by French scholar Claude Mignault. Devices depict pastoral scenes, cathedrals, military, mythological creatures, and more. 'Emblematica' provides important clues and shows - with brevity of style - concern for the eternal nature of man and human nature. Per Saunders in "The 17th-century French Emblem,"
"Alciato's emblem book went through a large number of transformations from the original very crude and simple form. Its early transformation into a work which was both aesthetically more pleasing and visually more accurate…with a… Read More