One of the most important publications in the history of the Catholic Church:
1564 First printing of the Official Decrees of the Council of Trent
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"The Ecumenical
Council of Trent has proved to be of the greatest importance for the
development of the inner life of the Church. No council has ever had to
accomplish its task under more serious difficulties, none has had so many
questions of the greatest importance to decide. The assembly proved
to the world that notwithstanding repeated apostasy in church life there
still existed in it an abundance of religious force and of loyal
championship of the unchanging principles of Christianity.” |
| "Despite internal
strife, external dangers, and two lengthy interruptions, the Council (of
Trent) played a vital role in revitalizing the Roman Catholic Church in
many parts of Europe. Pius IV confirmed the council's decrees in 1564 and
published a summary of its doctrinal statements; observance of
disciplinary decrees was imposed under sanctions. In short order the
catechism of Trent appeared, the missal and breviary were revised, and
eventually a revised version of the Bible was published. By the end of the
century, many of the abuses that had motivated the Protestant Reformation
had disappeared, and the Roman Catholic Church had reclaimed many of its
followers in Europe.”
(Britannica) |
| (Council of Trent).
Canones, et Decreta Sacrosancti Oecumenici, et Generalis Concilii
Tridentini sub Paulo III, Iulio III, Pio IIII, Pontificibus Max. Romae:
Paulum Manutium, Aldi F., 1564. Folio, nineteenth-century full crimson
morocco, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spine and boards,
marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Rare first printing of the Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, printed by Paulus Manutius and Aldus the Younger of the Aldine Press and the request of Pope Pius IV. Commissioned by Pius IV, Paulus Manutius of the esteemed Aldine Press traveled to Rome to produce the beautifully printed summary of the doctrines, decrees, and conclusions of the Council. With engraved initials throughout and the large familiar Aldine anchor device printed on title. First printing, with privilege on verso of title. Provenance: Bookplate of the Virtue and Cahill Library, with official deacession stamp over bookplate reading “Following enemy action in 1941 and dispersal of the library, the Bishop and cathedral chapter agreed to the dispersal of the books for better care and to the advantage of scholars, 1967.” Text cleaned at an early date. In elegant binding signed by noted French bookbinder R. Petit. A spectacular copy. Rare. |