Hilarius (um 315 - 367) - Expositio himnorum cum notabili comento quod semper implicat historias … - 1492

First incunable edition of the 122 hymn texts by Hilarius - Cologne early print

Author
Hilarius (c. 315 - 367)

Title
The exposition of hymns with notable commentary that always involves stories.

Drucker
Heinrich Quentell, Cologne, July 14, 1492.
Last text sheet before the Tabula with colophon and dating.

Description
First edition of the collections of 122 hymn texts for the entire church year by the church father Hilarius, printed in Cologne by Heinrich Quentell.

The incunable print features the typical interlinear glosses; the hymn texts are centered in a larger font size, while the explanatory text is printed around them.

Hilarius is also regarded as the first hymnographer of the Latin Church. Around 350, he became the bishop of Poitiers. He wrote the first comprehensive account of the doctrine of Holy Scripture concerning God and the Son of God. He connected Eastern and Western theology and taught the compatibility of faith and reason. From Hilarius's communal life with his brothers, the first monastic communities of Gaul emerged. In 1851, he was declared a Church Father.

Equipment
Multi-column Gothic type in 46 lines. At the beginning, a large Accipies woodcut shows Saint Gregory in his study with two students. A dove sits on his right shoulder. This woodcut is frequently used in prints published by Quentell in Cologne. An Accipies woodcut depicts a teacher inspired by the Holy Spirit's dove, teaching his students. A scroll bears the Latin hexameter 'Accipies tanti doctoris dogmata sancti' — Hear the teachings of the holy doctor Thomas Aquinas. Source: Wikipedia (excerpted).

Some underlinings in red. Leaf Lii verso and Liii with detailed contemporary annotations and some initial letters in red.

Sheet dimensions: 21 x 14.5 cm; trim size: 16 x 9 cm.

Collation
76 Roman numerals leaf (I-LXXVI; 1 unnumbered leaf with the two-page Tabula. Complete.
Laws formula: A8; B6; C8; D6; E6; F8; G6; H8; I6; K6; LL4; M6.

cover
Authentically reproduced, newer dark brown leather binding with blind-embossed rosettes and streak lines in the style of the 15th century. Gold-embossed spine title. Three-sided gold edge. Very good condition. The book block is firm and stable. Four signatures.
Quarter format: 21.5 x 16 x 2 cm.

state
Good to very good condition. Strong impression on firm handmade paper. Title browned. Paper uniformly lightly browned, mainly in the lower corner, with water stain towards the end in the margin. Slightly compressed in the side margin. Sheet Dii has a longitudinal tear in the side outer margin that has been repaired with paper. Occasionally with old handwritten marginal notes.

Provenance
Collection of Bernd Oetter - whose numbered exlibris 151/400 bears the inscription 'My homeland is the world.'

References
Literature: ISTC No. ie00149000; BSB-Ink H-264; Goff E149.
Libraries: ISTC records copies in only 48 libraries worldwide. Only two copies are in the USA.

We hereby confirm the originality and impeccable provenance of the offered incunable. It is free from third-party rights at the time of sale.

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