Title: Pontificale Secundum Ritum Sacrosancte Romane Ecclesie, 1542. Scarce Pontifical with Original Calf Panels, Beautifully Illustrated with Numerous Woodcuts
Author: Catholic Church
Publisher: Lyon, Hector Penet
Condition: Very Good
Price: 2600
A scarce mid 16th century edition of the Roman Pontifical containing the rites performed exclusively by the pope and bishops of the Catholic Church, predating the official edition published under Clement VIII in 1596. This edition is divided into three parts, with three woodcut title pages within historiated borders for each one, and the text printed in red and black throughout.
The first section is devoted to the blessings, consecration, and ordination of abbots, abbesses, and other members of the clergy, as well as the coronation of kings, queens and emperors; the second section describes the consecration and benediction of church properties, their furnishings, and ritual objects; and the final section deals primarily with temporal rituals and celebrations.
There are numerous woodcut initials and many woodcut illustrations throughout, depicting the rites described in the text.
USTC records 21 existing copies of this edition in libraries.
The final blank is lacking.
This volume has been bound in 19th century black morroco, with the original calf panels laid on.
One finely bound volume in folio, (4)+CCLIIII+(1) leaves
This volume is in very good shape, with minor rubbing and wear to the binding, most notably to the upper hinges, with more rubbing there. About 20 leaves have old traces of mildew, with some more staining elsewhere. There are some wormholes mostly to the margins with some skillful repairs. The first and last leaves have some marginal repairs as well. Two signatures and several leaves are bound out of order.