TERTULLIANO, Quinto Settimo (II-III secolo) - Opera. Basel: Johan Froben, 1521. A fine copy of the editio princeps in contemporary blindstamped pigskin of Tertullian's works by the leading German historian Beatus Rhenanus of Selestadt (1485-1547). By far the most sumptuous of the editions, with fine woodcuts, broad margins, etc. Rhenanus started his collaboration with Froben in 1513 and lived till 1519 in the printer's house, where he met Erasmus. He acted as the "alter ego" of Erasmus in Basel and it was on Erasmus' suggestion that he edited Tertullian as his major contribution to patristic studies. Folio (316 x 205mm). Title and other leaves within elaborate woodcut border, woodcut initials and head-pieces, printer's device on 2E8v and final leaf (few tiny holes, occasional light browning and spotting). Contemporary blindstamped pigskin on wooden boards initialed "E.S." and "A.L.", one clasps still preserved (small defects). Provenance: "E.S." and "A.L." (binding's initials) - Cistercian abbey of Langheim in Bavaria, 1673 (handwritten inscription and deaccession stamp number 8352) - "Presented to theological seminary by Rev. R.W. Bailey, 1831" (inscription) - erased early inscription just visible on title and some early annotations and underlining. The lot is accompanied by an export license.

Estimate € 800 - 1,200

Sold € 800