Divi Joannis Chrysostomi Archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani opera [...]. Tomus I-II. Parisiis: Apud Carolae Guillard, 1543, folio.
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Volumes one and two, of five, of this extremely rare edition of John Chrysostom's Opera Omnia, attractively presented in a contemporary fine panelled binding with blindstamped rolls of Biblical scenes. We trace no complete sets in commerce (auction or retail), and only one complete set of the later 1556 edition from the same printer. It is an extremely rare edition, especially in a contemporary binding. USTC records just 14 copies worldwide, with NO COPIES IN THE UNITED STATES, and only one in the UK.
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Size: 270 x 405 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(cross)10, a-x8, y6, z4; a-z8, A-M8, N7]
Contemporary full calf over wooden boards, panelled design, ornately blindstamped, very attractive indeed. Metalwork mounts for clasps extant, but lacks the clasps themselves. Paper title label to spine (a bit later), minor worming to binding. Binding rubbed, joints exposed but attached, boards both attached, though slightly fragile. Near contemporary ownership inscription to first title leaf ("sum bibliothecae domus parloialy ad SS Apostoloj colonia" (?). 14th century MS binder's waste visible at hinges. Tail cap partially detached.
Lacks final leaf of volume two (presumably a blank or possibly a printer's device as the text of the second volume is complete and the colophon is present at the foot of N7), else collates as complete. Text block generally bright and clean throughout, mildly toned, scattered mild foxing, small dampstain in bottom gutter, slightly extending into bottom blank marginal space, occasional small worm tracks, some through text, not losing sense, more extensive to final few quires. Small extremely neat marginalia throughout in a contemporary hand, not extensive.
[USTC 195460; Pettegree 75373].
