S. Thomae Aquinatis Summa Totius Theologiae [...]. In Tres Partes ab Auctore Suo Distributa. Antwerpiae: Christophori Plantini, 1569 (i.e. 1568-9), 4tos.
THE EDITIO PRINCEPS PLANTINIANA OF AQUINAS' SUMMA THEOLOGICA IN MAGNIFICENT CONTEMPORARY PANELLED BINDINGS.
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A beautiful set of this important early edition of Thomas Aquinas' Summa, a particularly important printing as it relates to the Counter-Reformation and the Catholic, specifically Dominican, attempt to disseminate traditional Catholic theology in a closely edited and comprehensive edition. This edition is very scarce in acceptable condition, and this is a superior example of this set in excellent contemporary fine bindings with notably bright and fresh text.
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Provenance:
Extensive monastic provenance: From the c.17th century (not later than 1773) collection of the College of the Society of Jesus, Louvain (Jesuits), "in usum RR. P.P. Professorum", i.e. for the use of the Reverend Fathers Professors. A monastic study copy. Inscription of Cornelius Duysf (or Duyst), probably of Delft (Netherlands) Stamp of the "Bibliotheca Conventus SS. Redempt. Ad S. Ioannem Pulchri Lucis", i.e. the Library of the Convent of the Most Holy Redeemer at Saint John of the Fair Light.
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Size: 207 x 280 mm (approx., each)
Condition:
[(1), [12], *⁴, A–I⁴, K–Z⁸, 2A–2E⁸; †⁶, A–F⁴, G–Z⁸, a–c⁸, d⁴, (1)]; [(1), [8], A–Z⁸, aa–ll⁸, mm⁴; a–n⁸, o⁶]; [(1), [7], A–X⁸, Y¹⁰, a–r⁸, s⁴, (1)]
Volume I and Volume II collate complete, including the index. Volume III lacks the main title leaf but is otherwise complete. The first seven leaves of volume III have been repaired at the edges with no loss of text. Light intermittent dampstaining to the lower outer corner of Volume III. Small ink stains to leaf G4r/v in Volume I, part two, just touching a few letters of text.
Volume II has neat and extensive contemporary marginalia through the first half, executed in several distinct hands, sporadic marginalia thereafter and in the third volume. The text blocks are generally bright and clean throughout.
Near contemporary full calf over thick wooden boards, decorated in a panelled style characteristic of Dutch or German bindings of the period. Each volume retains its tooled leather title label, and the spines are adorned with gilt floral tools in the compartments between raised bands. The bindings are rubbed with some minor surface losses; joints are cracked but all boards remain securely attached. Overall, structurally sound. A few old ownership inscriptions and institutional stamps, as detailed under Provenance.
[USTC 452612, 401423].
