The most important summation of Christian theology until St Thomas Aquinas
De sacramentis christianae fidei.
Folio (210 x 290 mm). 2 parts in one volume. (138); (176) pp., two blank leaves between part I and II, and one final blank leaf. Rubricated and with red lombardic initials throughout. 18th century full calf with giltstamped spine, spine-label, and gilt leading edges. All edges sprinkled red.
€ 9,500.00
First complete edition of the mystic encyclopedia of Christian thought compiled by Hugh of Saint Victor. Part II had been printed separately by Günther Zainer of Augsburg as early as ca. 1477, but the present publication was the first to comprise both parts of the work and would remain the only complete edition of the 15th century. A pretty copy, meticulously rubricated throughout.
Hugh of St. Victor’s magnum opus marks an important stage in the early development of systematic theology. It is the first of the medieval "summae", a form that would flower in the 13th century, reaching maturity in the works of Thomas Aquinas. Hugh's outline for this doctrinal masterwork is salvation history itself, from institution (creation) to restoration (salvation) as centered on the incarnation and still to be fulfilled. It was written just after Hugh became prior of the influential Augustinian abbey of Saint Victor, Paris, in 1133, a place that soon became renowned for his particular brand of learned and pious mysticism.
Rarely seen on the market: only three copies of the 1485 edition in auction records of the last 25 years. An essential incunable for the history of Christian doctrine and early printing, representing the moment when Hugh's complete summa first circulated widely in print.
Contemporary Dutch ownership inscription to first page of text (Amsterdam). Later in the collection of the old German noble family Schönborn-Buchheim with their armorial shelfmark mounted to upper cover.
Binding slightly rubbed, particularly along extremities. Lower corner of title-page very slightly chipped without loss. Occasional faint dampstaining to lower margins towards end of volume; smudged spot to M1, not touching text. Overall a crisp, clean copy.
HC 9025. Goff H-535. GW 13631. BMC I, 133. Proctor 597. BSB-Ink H 433. IGI 4940 & Corr. Oates 226. Pellechet 6163. Polain 2034 & Suppl. Voull., Bln. 2407. Ritter, Cat. 157 & Inc. alsac. 244. ISTC ih00535000.
