P. G. F. Berthier - Psaumes traduits en français [Ensemble de 3 tomes (III, IV, V)] - 1817

Remarkable set of three consecutive volumes from a rare and revisited edition of the major exegetical commentary by Father Guillaume François Berthier. These volumes come from the third revised and corrected edition, printed in Avignon by Laurent Aubanel in 1817 — an important milestone in the history of 19th-century French biblical exegesis.

The Psalms translated into French, with notes and reflections, constitute Père Berthier's (1704-1782) masterpiece of theological work, a former editor of the prestigious Journal de Trévoux and a major figure in French Jesuit scholarship. This work combines a faithful translation of the original Latin text, substantial exegetical commentary, and moral and spiritual reflections — a valuable resource for historians, theologians, and collectors of religious books from the 19th century.

This 1817 edition represents a major revision, 'reviewed and corrected with greater care' compared to previous editions, and remains less frequently encountered than the original edition of 1785.

Content and Structure

This set includes volumes 3, 4, and 5 of the complete edition (8 volumes), covering Books III and IV of the biblical Psalter, totaling over 1,500 pages of densely commented text. Each psalm is presented according to a methodical structure:
Original Latin text of the psalm.
French translation: polished and idiomatic.
Detailed critique of apparatus
Exegesis notes and theological reflections
Comparative patristic and biblical references

Dimensions: 17.5 cm × 11 cm

Binding

19th-century French binding in gold-tooled calfskin.
Material: Brown/tan calfskin, antique treatment.

Decoration:

Ribbed back adorned with geometric panels with gold trim.
Contrasting red leather title pieces with golden lettering.
Golden borders framing the sections.

Binding condition:

Joints perfectly solid
Internal stitches intact
Back intact without cracks.
Well-preserved gold lettering
Authentic vintage patina, slightly powdery but without significant degradation.
No modern repairs or restorations.

Interior Pages

Paper: Very good condition, cream white, minimal and natural aging.
- Impression: Clear and highly legible typography, dense black inking of the Aubanel characters.
Completeness: full pages and versos, no omissions.
see attached photos

Will be shipped securely, well packaged in shock-absorbing materials (reinforced bubble wrap + rigid cardboard).