Gregorii Magni Opera

Pope Gregory I (r. 590-604)

Published by Paris: Berthold Rembolt, 1518

About this Item

A compilation of the works of the early Pope; it is this Gregory to whom is attributed the beginnings of Gregorian Chant, a form of plainsong prevalent in the Roman Catholic Church until after Vatican II (1962-1965). 9 ¾ in. x 14 ¼ in.; 2 ¾ in. thick. [22] 450; [8]. Leather over boards with six raised bands; gilt titling and designs on spine; small remains of a paper label also appear on the spine. General wear to the covers and their edges. Lower portions of five of the preliminary folios (4-8) became damaged or torn out and have been replaced, apparently many years ago, in manuscript underlined in red. Folio 242 is mis-numbered 243. The top margin of folios 355-367 shows a small amount of worming. A small number of the preliminary folios show a damp-stain. The frontispiece from another book, published in 1608 by Johannes Pillehotte, is pasted onto the front paste-down. This book came from the library of Ignatius Frederick Horstmann, Bishop of Cleveland, Ohio from 1892 to 1908; his signature appears on the title page. On the verso facing the title page is an interesting and highly unusual hand-written inscription, in ink, consisting of two lines (crossing out the name of a previous owner) and the words: "Ex Libra Pernet diaconi Cabillonensia." This is followed by an expertly drawn picture of a bird in flight, hovering over a bunch of grapes on a branch on which there is resting a small animal. The drawing measures approximately 1 ¾ in. x 2 ¼ in. Even though substantial research has been undertaken, whether "pernet" refers to a region in France or to a family cannot be determined. We have found no book or reference to a book with a similar inscription, which may be a very early example of what became known as bookplates. The book weighs 8.5 lbs. Postage may be extra on this item. Seller Inventory # ABE-1473347495574

Bibliographic Details

Title: Gregorii Magni Opera

Publisher: Paris: Berthold Rembolt

Publication Date: 1518

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket