Title: Summa totius theologiae, 1604
Author: Thomas Aquinas
Publisher: Antonii Hierat, Cologne
Condition: Good
A rare and scarce early 17th century edition of Thomas Aquinas’s unfinished magnum opus, The Summa Theologica, being one of the great classics in the history of philosophy, theology, and one of the most influential works of Western literature in general. Being an expanded and structured version of Aquinas’s Summa contra Gentiles, the Summa was first written in the mid 13th century, and finally fully published in 1485, being a massive and monumental work comprising of 3125 articles. This work was intended as an instructional guide for students of theology, seminarians, and the literate laity. Being a compendium of all of the major theological teachings of the Catholic Church, it presented the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the Western World. Even among non-scholars, the Summa has become famous for its five arguments on the existence of God, although this is only of the several thousand articles. Aquinas also cites a variety of sources from various faiths and beliefs, including those of pagan backgrounds. From Boethius to Plato, Cicero and more, Aquinas had created a work to last centuries.
There is a contemporary ownership note.
One pigskin bound volume in folio, being five parts and a general index, (12)+216+(8)+220+(14)+341+(12)+208+184+(178)
On note of condition, this volume is in good shape, with the blindstamped binding holding strong, though somewhat stained. There is minor worming on the first few leaves, with some dampstaining throughout. Each part is marked with a piece of leather.