Title: Pontificale Secundum Ritum Sacrosancte Romane Ecclesie cum multis additionibus opportunis ex apostolica bibliotheca sumptis & alias non impressis opus sane laudabile atque divinum, 1520. The Third Giunta Pontificale, Beautifully Illustrated with Over 150 Woodcuts
Author: Catholic Church
Publisher: In florentissima Venetiarum vrbe, per spectabilem virum dominum Lucamantonium de giunta florentinum
Condition: Very Good
A scarce early 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 two of three woodcut title pages within historiated borders for each one, and the text printed in red and black throughout, with printed rubrication in red.
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 over 150 woodcut illustrations throughout (including a magnificent full-page woodcut of the Crucifixion), depicting the rites described in the text, as well as musical notation in black on red staves.
There are a few marginal annotations, and bookplates for Michaelis Tomkinson Franche Hall Worcestershire and W. H. R. Blacking.
5 leaves are lacking, being leaf 104, and leaves 239 to 242. Leaf 104 has been supplemented by an early hand, and very beautifully handwritten.
USTC records 40 existing copies of this edition in libraries.
One finely bound volume in folio, (6)+248 of 253+(1) leaves
This volume is in very good shape, with some rubbing and wear to the binding, and some stress to the hinges. There is a small tear to the upper margins of leaves 251 and 252, partially affecting a border woodcut. There is a small hole to the last three leaves, obscuring several letters. There is light, scattered staining throughout.