Angelus and Jacobus Britannicus, 1495

LUDOLPHUS DE SAXONIA (c.1295-1378). Vita Christi. Brescia: Angelus and Jacobus Britannicus, 30 October 1495.

First and only Brescia edition of an important and influential work of German mysticism, comprising a distillation of both patristic and contemporary literature. "Ludolphus was taken up by members of the devotio moderna who found in the Vita Christi the same emphasis on study of the Bible, meditation, and Christ. Thomas à Kempis's Imitatio Christi follows most closely the Vita Christi in its handling of the entire life of Christ and his humanity, and in their goal of meditation, contemplation, and final union with God" (BPH). Its most famous reader is probably Ignatius of Loyola, who was influenced by it in his conversation and eventual founding of the Jesuit Order. The first edition was printed in Cologne around 1472, and thence in many editions. This was the only edition printed at Brescia, about a decade after Jacobus Britannicus and his brother moved to that city from Venice. Goff L-347; BMC VII 977; BSB-Ink L-266; GW M19191. See Ford, BPH 135-137 for more on the text and Ludolphus's elaborate symbolic system and its influences.

Chancery quarto (165 x 118mm). 542 leaves (of 544, lacking leaf ss8 and final blank). Woodcut printer's device at end (title damaged with half replaced in facsimile, first gathering loose, dampstaining and worming throughout). Early blindstamped calf over flexible boards (binding very deteriorated, with boards splitting to reveal printed waste within and losses to upper board and spine, some threads renewed). Provenance: marginalia, wayfinding labels, and underlining throughout, often trimmed – remains of two early ownership inscriptions on damaged title – faded stamp on top edge, old library label.