EUSEBIUS CAESARIENSIS, BISHOP OF CAESAREA (CA 260-CA 340) Historia ecclesiastica

Lotto 708
3 0004 000
Translated by Rufinus Aquileiensis Mantue, Johannes Schallus, die XV Iulii, 1479 Handwritten note on paste-down: “Questa edizione trovasi pregiatissima presso tutti i bibliografi ed il presente esemplare è riguardevole per la sua bella conservazione” (tr.: this edition is considered as much valuable by all bibliographers. This copy is remarkable for its good condition). 8vo (255x173 mm), [170] leaves of 172, lacking first and last blank ll, 34 lines. Typ.3:111R, capital spaces with guide letters. White lower margin of first two leaves repaired. Good copy in eighteenth-century binding on stiff vellum, handwritten title on spine. Fourth edition, the second in Italian, translated by Rufino d’Aquileia (345- 411 ca.), monk and theologian. He became famous thanks to his many translations of the Holy Fathers’ Greek works. This edition was preceded by three ones, printed in Utrecht, Strassburg and Rome. It is the last of about seven books known whose printing was attributed to Schallus (Mantua, between 1475 and 1479). The edition, dated 15 July 1479, is dedicated to Federico Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua. Historia ecclesiastica is the most important history of the Church written in ancient times. It is particularly valuable as a source for the history of the early Church, especially for the detailed description of various early sects and movements; in many instances it is our only knowledge of personalities and events dating from the first three centuries of our era.