Middleton, Richard of (ca. 1249-1308)

Commentum super quartem sententarium. [bound with: handwritten Index of the late Middle Ages].

      Venice, Christophorus Arnoldus, [1476-77].. Folio; 10.4 in x 7.5. 278 leaves; a10, b8, c6, d-i10, k12, l-z10, A-D10, E12. Modern vellum binding. Very good condition.. IncunabulaThis beautiful incunable contai0ns an commentary by the Franciscan monk Richard of Middleton (also Richardus de Mediavilla) to the famous and often discussed "Sententiae" by Petrus Lombardus. The commentary was printed by Christophorus Arnoldus in two editions. The one at hand is exceptionally rarer than the other. A wonderfully painted initial can be found at the beginning of the text. It stretches over half the page in length and is decorated with ornaments of dots and lines. All other initials are smaller but nonetheless artistically painted. They are placed at the beginning each paragraph and stretch over 2-3 lines. The text is printed in a Gothic type set in two columns and completely rubricated in strong red ink. Elegant modern vellum binding. Author and title are gilt-stamped onto the spine. [Condition of the binding: Very Good (-) / Condition of the paper: Very Good (-) / Further remarks: The binding is slightly rubbed with some minor stains. The first couple of pages are loosened. Some leaves with very light water stains. First leave with blacked out exlibris. On the whole this is a very impressive work which, especially for its age, has been preserved in extraordinary condition.] The "Sententiae" are the main work by the respected scholastic and bishop of Paris Petrus Lombardus (c. 1100 - 1160). The text contains important theological ideas on the doctrine of the trinity, creation, incarnation and the scraments. When it was first published in 1158 it was one of the most important writings of its time and Petrus Lombardus was awarded the title of "Magister Sententarium". Later, commenting this work became a vital part of studying theology. That is why many important church fathers like Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventura and Albertus Magnus have all written commentaries on the "Sententiae". Richard of Middleton (c. 1249 - 1308) was the first Franciscan to write a complete commentary on the sentences after Bonaventura. He was rooted deeply in the Augustine-Franciscan traditions. Nonetheless he was also very influenced by the ideas of Thomas Aquinas, which might prove that he belonged to the Aristotelian branch of the Franciscan movement. After teaching the "Sententiae" at university, Middleton began writing the commentary in 1281. When he finished his work in 1284 he had already been promoted to the director of the Franciscan school of Paris. Middleton's origins remained a mysteries and have been the subject of many a discussion. Until today it is not known whether he was English or French. Most scholars have settled for the theory that Middleton belonged to the Menevill or Meynil family from Northumberland and had latinised his name. Regardless of his nationality, he is regarded as one of the most important theologians of the 13th century. His other works include "Quaestiones disputae", "Quodlibeta" and "Homilien". His most important, however, is the commentary on the "Sententiae". The copy at hand being a very early and rare print. It is in extraordinary condition which adds to the value of this beautiful incunable.