Homeliarius super Evangeliis de Tempore et de Sanctis. Basel: Jacobus Wolff de Pfortzheim, for Wolfgang Lachner, 1505.

Homelies
Homeliarius super Evangeliis de Tempore et de Sanctis. Basel: Jacobus Wolff de Pfortzheim, for Wolfgang Lachner, 1505.
A well-preserved example of an early 16th-century wallet-style binding. In an address to the reader Johannes Ulrich Surgant (c.1450-1503) states that he discovered the manuscript, from which the printed edition was set (first by Kesler, also at Basel, in 1493), in a Basel library. The compilation contains homilies by the Church Fathers, as well as other great Christian figures. The full-page title woodcut also appeared in the first edition. VD-16 P-1050.

2 parts in one volume, folio (297 x 214mm). With final blank leaf, full-page tri-partite woodcut on title of both parts, initial spaces with guide-letter (small hole in first title, neat tear into text in second leaf, some dampstaining, mostly marginal, occasional small stain, single wormhole in first quire). Contemporary paper-lined vellum wallet-style binding, single brass catch, title written at various dates on spine (some darkening and cracking).

contemporary marginal annotations and various prayers – 19th-century ink stamp deleted from title – William Foyle (bookplate; sale Christie's, 11 July 2000, lot 186).

No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium.
-