Missale Cartusiani Ordinis Ex Ordinatione Capituli Generalis Anno Domini MDCLXXVII. Celebrati Sub R. P. D. Innocentio Le Masson Priore Cartusiae Ac Totius Eiusdem Ordinis Generali. Favratii In Sabaudia: Typis Ludovici Du Four Sereniss, Ducis Typographi Ordinarii Sumptibus Maioris Cartusiae, 1679, folio.
Missal of the Carthusian Order According to the Decree of the General Chapter Held in the Year of Our Lord 1677, Under the Most Reverend Father Dom Innocent Le Masson, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse and General of the Entire Order. Faverges in Savoy: Printed by Louis Du Four, Official Printer to the Most Serene Duke, at the Expense of the Grande Chartreuse, 1679, folio.
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An exceptional Carthusian Missal, one of the finest obtainable Missals of this period, with clear signs of extended use, but remaining very well preserved indeed. A genuinely magnificent contemporary fine binding.
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Size: 250 x 370 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(2), t.p., ā⁶, ē⁶, ī⁶, A–Z⁶, 2A–2L⁶, 2M⁴, A–E⁶, F–G⁴, H–I⁶, K⁴, ¶⁴, π², (5)]
Contemporary black morocco, very finely tooled in gilt to both boards and spine, a few intentional holes to boards, possibly indicative of now removed metalwork. All edges gilt, finely gauffered, with cloth place markers visible to fore-edge, some loss to gilt on edges, but generally bright and well preserved, very attractive indeed. No attached bookplates or ownership inscriptions. Several leaves with cloth mounted at the edges, occasionally covering a signature and/or catchword but not rendering them illegible as the cloth is largely transparent; this cloth was evidently placed for better grip for page turning when this missal was in use. Similarly a few leaves have some coloured/patterned cloth placed at the edges as place markers. There are a few woven fabric page markers placed in. The text block is generally extremely well preserved throughout, particularly for a missal which shows such clear signs of use; it has been very well looked after. The last two leaves (not part of the collation) are provided in manuscript, in a neat hand, and designated under pi in the collation above. With the i(line)6 blank. Some candlewax to a few leaves throughout, none of it rendering text illegible or loosing sense. Before 2F4 there is a tipped in oratio leaf.
An extremely well preserved Carthusian Missal in a genuinely exceptional contemporary fine binding.
