Eusebius Caesariensis

HISTORIA ECCLESIASTICA. [Translated by Rufinus].

      Johann Schall. July 1479, Mantua - Folio. ff.(172), complete with the final blank leaf. Roman type. 19th c. full red morocco, neatly rebacked to match, with the old gilt spine laid down. Numerous marginal ìreferencesî in an early hand. Front pastedown with a small leather bookplate of Eduardo J. Bullrich; and a paper bookplate reading, ìFrancisci Caesaris Augusti Munificentia.îSmall round ownership stamps at bottom blank margin of the first leaf of text. Eusebius (circa 260 to circa 340) is considered the father of Church history and this text is the most important ecclesiastic history produced in ancient times. This particular volume is an interesting specimen from the press of Johann Schall, the printer-physician of Mantua. It is the only known work from the second press of this printer, who established his first press at Mantua in 1475. He is supposed to have been one of the German printers hired by Adamo Micheli, who introduced the art of printing into Mantua. This is also the only book from this press printed in a fine, large Roman type; one of two books with a metrical colophon and the printerís name; and the first book to have printed catchwords on each page. ìThe volumes issued from his press are of equal beauty and rarity; and it is seldom that we see a more eloquent specimen of ancient typography than that (Eusebius) which is now before us.î Thomas Frognall Dibdin. Goff E127; BMC VII 933; HC 6711. Hain Copinger 6711. Eusebius (circa 260 to circa 340) is considered the father of Church history and this text is the most important ecclesiastic history produced in ancient times. This particular volume is an interesting specimen from the press of Johann Schall, the printer-physician of Mantua. It is the only known work from the second press of this printer, who established his first press at Mantua in 1475. He is supposed to have been one of the German printers hired by Adamo Micheli, who introduced the art of printing into Mantua. This is also the only book from this press printed in a fine, large Roman type; one of two books with a metrical colophon and the printerís name; and the first book to have printed catchwords on each page. ìThe volumes issued from his press are of equal beauty and rarity; and it is seldom that we see a more eloquent specimen of ancient typography than that (Eusebius) which is now before us.î Thomas Frognall Dibdin. Goff E127; BMC VII 933; HC 6711. Hain Copinger 6711. [Attributes: Hard Cover]