FISHER, JOHN, SAINT (1459-1535)

Sacri Sacerdotii Defensio contra Lutherum, per Reverendissimum Dominum, dominum Iohannem Rossen, Episopum, virum singulari eruditione omnisarium doctissimum, iam primum ab Archetypo evulgata. Cum tabula & repertorio tractatorum

      Impensis Petri Quentell, Cologne 1525 - The very rare first edition of Saint John Fisher's defense of the Catholic priesthood, written for the purpose of refuting Luther's book 'De abroganda missa privata" published in 1522, in which Luther argues for the common priesthood among all the Church's members. Dedicated to Cuthbert Tunstall, the erudite bishop of London, Fisher's book is printed in black letter, with several wood-cut initials throughout, and a large title-page device of the coat of arms of Henry VIII. Contemporary owner's inscription on title-page, occasional contemporary mariginalia and a few passaged underlined. A few leaves with light marginal spotting, but interior generally clean. Title-page with slight repair to inner margin. Rebound in modern boards, label on spine. Small 8vo (15.5 x 10.5), 133pp. This listing has been discounted 10% from its original price. [Attributes: First Edition]