Description

Argentum Romanum is proud to present for your consideration Two magnificent, important, and complete antiquarian sets of the work of the great Christian theologian and philosopher St. Augustine of Hippo, in spectacular gilt full-leather bindings dating from the reign of Louis XIV. Both sets shown together for illustrative purposes. Note that each set is a separate listing; Psalms and Letters. The phrase "museum quality" is tossed about quite commonly these days but these volumes actually come to us from a Museum (The Letters) and a Monastery (The Psalms) hence the sets' complete and intact condition well into their fourth century of existence. Almost incredibly, these books were published during the lifetimes of people who actually experienced the final years of the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation. Sets of more than two or three volumes dating from the 1600s are exceedingly rare. That these two sets--of five and seven volumes--come down to us in complete and intact condition represents an extraordinary circumstance and very likely an unrepeatable opportunity. The volumes' unmatched provenance is further attested by their virtually immaculate and unmarked text blocks and the extraordinary luminosity of their elaborately gilt, full-calfskin period leather bindings. These sets offer truly breathtaking shelf presence. Spectacular full-calfskin leather bindings; paneled, raised-hub spines with intricate gilt devices and integral russet title blocks. Marvelously intact overall, with age-appropriate wear and several genuine bookworm holes. Polished face leather of mottled design displaying magnificent patination throughout. All hinges functional, original and intact. Marbled endpapers; carmine lake edges. Spines exhibit minor chipping at extremities and some visible cracking of face leather at hinges; rubbing wear to several corners. EXTREMELY RARE: POSSIBLY UNIQUE AS A COMPLETE SET IN THIS CONDITION. As further and ultimate testimony to these volumes' longstanding residence in a private museum, there is no apparent evidence of repair or restoration to any of the bindings or in fact anywhere throughout the entire collection of volumes: an extraordinary circumstance considering their immense age. These astonishing octavo volumes are well into their fourth century of existence and look prepared for another millennium at least. Notations present on title pages (see photos) otherwise the entirety of the text appears unmarked, which is extraordinary for volumes of this age. Very little foxing to the text block proper; minimal coloration on title pages. Published by André Pralard, Paris, 1696 (Psalms) and 1697 (Letters). Pralard was arguably the most prominent Parisian publisher of his age, active from about 1668 until 1719. Pralard publications may be found in all of the greatest Continental and British libraries (including Versailles) as well as the Libraries of Congress, Harvard and Yale. All text in French, naturally. As an unforgettable gift for yourself or another, these extraordinary sets will naturally form the centerpiece of any collection of fine and rare antiquarian books.