Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller - Old and Rare Books

[Missale Ecclesiae Rothomagensis - PRINTED ON VELLUM]

(Roman Catholic Mass)

Rouen: [apud Societatis Typographicam] / David du Petit Val, 1623. Disbound. Two parts, folio. [72]; 37, [1: blank] pp; 1 full page copperplate engraving; woodcut initials and ornaments. Printed in red and black throughout. Text in Latin, generally in two columns, with double ruled borders in black. All edges gilt. Boards perished (text block very solid, with binding cords intact). Occasional light soiling. A very good copy, housed in a beautiful new clamshell box of maroon silk moire.

Concluding sections ONLY of this uncommon local missal for the Archdiocese of Rouen, printed on vellum by David du Petit Val. Along with general information about the calendar and the celebration of the Mass, this portion of the Missale Ecclesiae Rothomagensis contains tables of the Movable Feasts and Easter Sunday, followed by a complete liturgical calendar. The second section contains musical scores with text for Palm Sunday (Dominica in Ramispalmarum finito tractu diaconus dicat) and Good Friday (In die Veneris sancta tractu finito diaconus).

The beautiful full page engraving of the Annunciation which opens the musical section is signed by Jean Messager. The following verses in praise of the Virgin Mary appear as a caption:

Virgo tibi plenis exundat gratia rivis,
Pone metum: proh, quanta refundes gaudia terris,
Femineos inter tu praestantissima coetus,
Cum Patris aeterni paries virgo integra Natum.

(Virgin, you overflow with full streams of grace,
Put aside your fear: Oh! How many joys you will bring back to the earth,
You, preeminent among women,
A virgin, will bear with the Eternal Father a Perfect Son.). Very good. Item #53483

References: OCLC 1063115827, one of only two copies located, both at the British Library.
Date, printer, and location taken from colophon; title and publisher information from British Library. Collation: e6 i6 o6 u6 aa6 ee4 ii2; [asterisk]-3[asterisk]6 4[asterisk]1 (= 55 leaves).

Price: $3,500.00