De Vitis, Sectis et Dogmatibus Omnium Haeriticorum, Qui ab Orbe Condito, ad Nostra Usque Tempora, et Veterum et Recentium authorum monimentis proditi sunt, Elenchus Alphabeticus [...]. Per Gabrielem Prateolum Marcossium, doctorem Theologum. Cologne: Joannis Quentel, 1581.
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A beautiful copy of the very rare 1581 second edition of Gabriel du Preau's dictionary of heresies and heretics, printed during the height of the counter-reformation era. The author taught theology at the Sorbonne, and in this work, he actively addresses not just the earlier heresies in opposition of ecumenical councils etc, but Calvinists, Muslims, Satanists, Zwinglians, Jews, Lutherans, Mennonites, and many other groups. He sought to condemn the heresies of Protestantism by comparison to ancient philosophical systems, though his methods are today regarded as erroneous.
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Provenance:
Contemporary inscription to title page, illegible, but does refer to Cologne and hence likely early German ownership, presumably within Catholic circles. There is one contemporary manicule towards the end of the text in the margin, otherwise free of marginalia.
Pencil inscription to rear pastedown implying that this copy sold at Peter Kiefer Auctions in Pforzheim, Germany, presumably fairly recently, but we couldn't trace this record. It suggests this was lot 176 in sale 65.
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Size: 173 x 220 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(1), a¹-l⁴, m², A¹-Z⁴, 2A¹-2Z⁴, 3A¹-3T⁴]
Contemporary full vellum with title supplied in manuscript to the head of the spine. Vellum discoloured and a little worn as often, but generally very attractive. Ties replaced circa the 20th century and are functional. No attached bookplates, pencil inscriptions to both pastedowns and ffep verso, presumably from a previous bookseller, circa 2000 (?). Contemporary inscription to title page (a¹), and one contemporary manicule in text, else exceptionally clean throughout, bright and crisp. A very well preserved copy of this very rare edition. Consistent margin throughout, untrimmed; this binding is original to the book.
[Adams D1149; VD16 D2990; Stevenson II, 499].
