[Inkunabel] Gregor IX. - Decretales Gregorii IX. - 1486

Decretals of Gregory IX with the Commentary of Bernardus Parmensis, 1486

For sale is a significant incunabulum of canon law, printed on 16 August 1486 in Speyer by Peter Drach, one of the most important German early printers. The work ranks among the foundational legal books of the Middle Ages and shaped ecclesiastical jurisprudence across Europe for centuries.

The Decretals of Gregory IX form an official collection of papal judicial decisions. The extensive commentary by the jurist Bernardus Parmensis (d. 1266), which surrounds the main text on all sides, made this work the authoritative standard for the study and practice of canon law. The edition is printed in two columns: the commentary of Bernardus Parmensis, also set in two columns, surrounds the central main text. Additionally, the book is richly rubricated, with red headings, initials, and paragraph marks; it also includes the original printer's mark of Peter Drach.

Bound in a contemporary blind-embossed calf leather binding over wooden boards. The inside surfaces of the wooden boards bear fragments of writing that could date from the 9th (?) century and originate from northern France. Remains of the original metal clasps are preserved. The binding shows age-related wear; the spine ends have been renewed.

The first opening leaves of the book are missing, and in total 32 of the originally 304 leaves are missing. There are occasional light stains, browning, and edge dampness that hardly affect the text.

Extent: 272 pages (originally 304)
Dimensions: 40 × 30 cm