Title: Opera. Prima and Secunda, 1488. Volumes 1-2 of 3 of the Works of the Jean Gerson in One Volume
Author: Jean Gerson
Publisher: Strasbourg, Grüninger
Condition: Very Good
A late 15th century edition of the Works of Jean Gerson, containing Volumes 1-2 of 3. The additional 50 leaf Inventarium is lacking.
One of the most influential theologians of the fifteenth century, Gerson Chancellor of the University of Paris, being one of the most significant theologians at the Council of Constance, here the fate of the Hussites where largely influenced by him. He helped to lay down the groundwork for natural rights theory, was among the first to defend Joan of Arc, and worked greatly towards resolving the Great Schism. His works were printed heavily during the second half of the fifteenth century.
There is a large full-page woodcut, depicting Gerson as a pilgrim. More significantly, the woodcut is a copy after the original design by Albrecht Durer.
These volumes have been rebound in a single leather cover over wooden boards, with blind-stamped designs following the contemporary style, and two functioning clasps. The rear board does appear to be the original, having been preserved.
The title page to volume 1 is lacking.
Two volumes finely bound into one volume in folio, 229 of 230, 286 leaves
This volume is in very good shape, with minor wear and scuffing to the binding, more to the rear board. The first leaf is dusty and stained. There is a very small wormhole running through the text at the beginning, and then several small wormholes running through the text starting at leaf 120, with minor letter loss. There is very light, scattered browning and foxing throughout, more to the outer margins.