Simon Bevilaqua for Alexander Calcedonius, [not after 1496]

THOMAS AQUINAS (c.1225-1274). Commentarius in librum Aristotelis De anima [and:] DOMINICUS DE FLANDRIA (c.1425-1479). In eundum librum quaestiones. Venice: Simon Bevilaqua for Alexander Calcedonius, [not after 1496].

Fourth edition of Aquinas's commentary on Aristotle's On The Soul, annotated. The re-introduction of genuine Aristotelian texts into Western Europe in the 12th century found its apotheosis in the syncretic work of Thomas Aquinas, who sought to harmonize the thought of Aristotle with Christianity. The question of the nature of the soul—what Aristotle really thought about it and how it might line up with Christian orthodoxy—was a thorny issue for theologians wrestling with ancient philosophy. Aquinas's engagement with Aristotle's ideas on the topic are here joined by the treatment of the Dominican theologian Dominic of Flanders on the same subject. Goff Suppl. T-239a; BMC V 521; BSB-Ink T-208; GW M46042.

Chancery folio (308 x 211mm). 82 leaves. First text leaf printed in red and black. Woodcut diagrams, woodcut of Calcedonius's device at end (dampstaining, scattered wormholes in text). Late 18th-century half vellum and marbled paper boards (extremities worn, split in spine panel affecting morocco title label). Provenance: marginalia throughout in several hands.