Johannes Raulin - Opus sermonum - 1518

EXTREMELY RARE 1518 Lenten Sermons | Rubricated Gothic Type | 17th Century Binding
A truly exceptional find for any serious collector of early 16th-century printing.
This 1518 Post-Incunabula is a masterpiece of Parisian typography from the famous press of Jehan Petit. Featuring stunning rubrication in red and black and two large, high-quality woodcuts, this volume is not only a theological treasure by the renowned Johannes Raulin but also a magnificent example of luxury Renaissance book production. A rare opportunity to own a 500-year-old piece of history in a beautiful 17th-century leather binding.
Full Title: Opus sermonum quadragesimalium super epistolas et euangelia (Lenten Sermons on Epistles and Gospels).
Author: Johannes Raulin (1443–1514), a renowned French preacher and theologian of the Cluniac Order (Cluny).
Publisher/Printer: Jehan Petit (Ioannes Parvus), one of the most prominent booksellers and printers in Paris (Parrhisiis).
Printer’s Device: The woodcut featuring two lions supporting a shield with a fleur-de-lis and the initials "I.P." is the celebrated emblem of Jehan Petit.
Illustrations (Woodcuts):
The volume contains 2 woodcuts of exceptional quality:
On the verso of the title page, a large-scale illustration depicts the author presenting his work to Jacques d’Amboise, Abbot of Cluny, whose throne is decorated with his coat of arms.
On the verso of the fourth preliminary leaf, another large woodcut shows the author offering the work to Saint Gregory the Great, surrounded by cardinals.
Typography and Printing:
The text is set in Gothic type (Blackletter) with striking rubrication (printed in red and black ink), a hallmark of luxury editions from this period.
Binding:
Bound in full brown leather showing authentic historical wear, as seen in the photographs. The spine features raised bands and is decorated with gilt floral motifs, likely a professional 17th-century binding.
Technical Details & Condition Report:
Format: Octavo (8vo)
Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 3 cm
Collation: 289 pages.
Interior Condition: The text block is generally well-preserved. Signs of age and foxing are present, as shown in the detailed photos. No significant loss of text.
Binding Condition: Solid and firm. The leather shows scuffing and shelf wear consistent with its age, as visible in the pictures.