OUVRAGES POSTHUMES

MABILLON, JEAN, [and] THIERRY RUINART

Published by Chez Francois Babuty, Paris, 1724

260 x 200 mm. (10 1/4 x 7 3/4"). Three volumes. Pleasing contemporary calf, raised bands, compartements decorated with floral tools, one red and one dark brown morocco label with gilt lettering, all edges dyed red. With woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces, first volume with several woodcut illustrations and one plate. A handful of leaves with contemporary (or slightly later) marginal notations. Brunet III, 1262; Graesse IV, 317. ?General wear and cracks affecting perhaps half the length of the joints (but all boards firmly attached), three corner tips with leather gone, covers with minor discoloration, other insignificant signs of wear, but the bindings still quite attractive on the shelf; a few signatures slightly toned, isolated smudges and other trivial imperfections, but a substantial work in fine condition internally, quite clean and bright, and with very generous margins. This substantial set contains a selection of writings and letters by two of the most gifted members of the Congregation of St. Maur, a group of Benedictine monks recognized for their scholastic achievements. Jean Mabillon (1632-1707) is considered the founder of paleography and diplomatics; his most famous book, "De Re Diplomatica," virtually created the science of Latin paleography and established lasting principles for determining the authenticity and date of Medieval charters and manuscript. In 1664 he was installed in the great literary workshop of the Maurists at Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, and during the next 20 years, he produced a staggering amount of remarkably erudite work. The present three volumes bring together some of Mabillon's lesser known (but no less learned) works, including several short treatises, letters, and an intriguing work criticizing the veneration of the so-called "unknown saints" of the catacombs, which was censured by the Holy See. Our volumes also include Mabillon's lauded "Traité des Études Monastiques," which, in the words of the Catholic Encyclopedia, "was a noble defence of monastic learning." Also included here are works by Mabillon's disciple, collaborator, and fellow Maurist, Thierry Ruinart (1657-1709), including an expansive history of Pope Urban II, and a description of a journey to Alsace and Lotharingia. Seller Inventory # ST16379-121

Bibliographic Details

Title: OUVRAGES POSTHUMES
Publisher: Chez Francois Babuty, Paris
Publication Date: 1724
Edition: FIRST EDITION.