Selecta Sacra. Libri Quinque. Cum Indicibus locupletissimis, & Tabulis Aeneis elegantissimis
Amsterdam: Henricum Wetstenium, 1700. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 53, [11], 805, [111]pp. Original blind stamped vellum with handwritten lettering on spine. Additional engraved title page. Title page in red and black lettering. Printer's device on title page. Remarkable work by Johannes Braun (1628-1708) the renowned professor of theology and Hebrew at the university of Groningen. A disciple of the Dutch Christian Hebraist Johannes Coccejus in theology, Braun adhered to Cartesianism in philosophical matters, publishing several scholarly, didactic and polemic works on the matter. He interacted with Descartes' chief intellectual heirs, Gottfried Leibniz and Benedict Spinoza. Braun corresponded was Leibniz. He knew at least some of Spinoza's works, and rejected the latter's alleged atheism. Braun exemplifies the early Conservative Enlightenment, which strove to integrate the new philosophy into a traditional orthodox theological structure. For him Cartesianism was a tool in a rationalist approach to theology and (particularly) in demarcating theology from philosophy. In this respect, his position is exemplary for the adaptations taking place in institutional philosophy around 1700. This book is profusely illustrated with 13 fine engravings (including 3 folding). Includes one plate showing the Molach. Spine and edges of binding darkened. Head of spine repaired. Front hinge starting. Minor browning and foxing along paper margin. Folding engraving facing page 225 repaired. Text in Latin with some Hebrew throughout. Binding in overall fair, interior in good+ condition. f to g+. Item #30610
Price: $500.00