[Rarebooks] FS: Eusebius, the father of Church history. Mantua: July 1479

[Karmbooks at aol.com]

(INCUNABULA) Eusebius Caesariensis. HISTORIA ECCLESIASTICA. [Translated by 
Rufinus]. Mantua: Johann Schall. July 1479. Folio. ff.(172), complete with the 
final blank leaf. Roman type. 19th c. full red morocco, neatly rebacked to 
match, with the old gilt spine laid down. Numerous marginal “references” in an 
early hand. Front pastedown with a small leather bookplate of Eduardo J. 
Bullrich; and an early paper bookplate reading, “Francisci Caesaris Augusti 
Munificentia.”Small round ownership stamps at bottom blank margin of the first leaf of 
text.     $10,000.00 (trade discount allowed)
Eusebius (circa 260 to circa 340) is considered the father of Church history 
and this text is the most important ecclesiastic history produced in ancient 
times. This particular volume is an interesting specimen from the press of 
Johann Schall, the printer-physician of Mantua. It is the only known work from the 
second press of this printer, who established his first press at Mantua in 
1475. He is supposed to have been one of the German printers hired by Adamo 
Micheli, who introduced the art of printing into Mantua. This is also the only 
book from this press printed in a fine, large Roman type; one of two books with a 
metrical colophon and the printer’s name; and the first book to have printed 
catchwords on each page. 
“The volumes issued from his press are of equal beauty and rarity; and it is 
seldom that we see a more eloquent specimen of ancient typography than that 
(Eusebius) which is now before us.” Thomas Frognall Dibdin.
Goff E127; BMC VII 933; HC 6711. Hain Copinger 6711.

Kenneth Karmiole, Bookseller, Inc.
P.O. Box 464
Santa Monica, CA 90406
Tel. (310) 451-4342; Fax. (310) 458-5930
Email: karmbooks at aol.com




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