LIPOMANUS, Aloysius (1500–1559), and LAURENTIUS SURIUS (1522–1578)

LIPOMANUS, Aloysius (1500–1559), and LAURENTIUS SURIUS (1522–1578)

De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis, partim ex tomis Aloysii Lipomani…

Coloniae Agrippinae (Cologne): apud Geruinum Calenium et haeredes Quentelios, 1576.

Format: Folio (approx. 294 × 215 mm)

A substantial and well-preserved example of this important 16th-century hagiographical compendium, comprising the first volume (January–February) of the celebrated De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis, compiled by the Venetian bishop Aloysius Lipomanus and subsequently expanded and edited by the Carthusian scholar Laurentius Surius.

This Cologne edition, printed in 1576, represents one of the authoritative early printings of the text, widely disseminated during the Counter-Reformation and valued for its role in shaping Catholic devotional and scholarly traditions.

Collation and Features:

Title page with engraved portrait medallion, woodcut initial, and typographic ornament. Printed in a clear Roman type on laid paper. Large folio format with generous margins.

Binding:

Contemporary or near-contemporary full calf binding, worn, with visible abrasions, surface loss, and signs of extensive use; spine with raised bands, aged and rubbed. Despite wear, structurally sound.

Condition:

Text block complete. Occasional staining and damp marks, minor edge wear, and age toning throughout, consistent with a working ecclesiastical volume of the period. Inner hinges partially split but holding. Overall a solid and unrestored example.

Provenance:

Early ownership inscription(s) to title and preliminary leaves (partially legible), indicating historical use.

Note:

While editions of Lipomanus and Surius appear intermittently on the market, early folio printings in original binding remain increasingly scarce, particularly in complete and unrestored condition.

An important Renaissance printing, appealing to collectors of early books, ecclesiastical history, and Counter-Reformation literature.