PARADISUS ANIMAE CHRISTIANA

Rare second edition (edito altera) with working clasps of one of the most popular Catholic devotional manuals of the 17th century. Augmented and elegant (longe auctior et elegantior). Text in Latin. In the most pleasing condition. Collated and complete. Beautiful calf boards and five panelled spine survive in marvellous condition over 350 years after publication. Corners a little bumped, a little rubbed in places as expected. Decorative embossing and remnants of gilt lettering enhance the handsome spine which is completely sound, minimally bumped to top and tail. Most probably a German binding with good looking, fully functioning metal catch plates to upper board and straps attached to lower board. Some cracking over front gutter but otherwise entirely sound throughout. Front endpaper reveals previous ownership. Inscribed to top in a contemporary hand Ex libris Jacobi [……..] 30 July 1687. Just below reads ex libris Josephi Gerardi Antwerp: collegii houdani montibus aluminus [..] 4 Feb 1748 (most probably linking the volume at this date to the college Houdani in the Mons region of Belgium). To the tail of the leaf a more recent inscription reads Presented to St Edmunds College Old Hall by the Very Rev Canon Vere 15 April 1910. The rear endpaper again links the volume to Libris Josephi [Gerardi………] 1750. Entire text block in very good condition including full page b/w title page engraving plus a further 8 full page engravings all in excellent condition. Decorative chapter endings. Leaves remarkably crisp and clean throughout other than minor loss to 1 cm section to top of rear endpaper as noted on collation. Only 10 universities worldwide own this edition