Evangelista da Momigno - Direttorio de Superiori Regolari et Ecclesiastici - 1644

Evangelista da Momigno – Direttorio de Superiori Regolari, et Ecclesiastici – First Edition – 1644

Rare Italian first edition from 1644, dedicated to Giulio Rospigliosi, the future Pope Clement IX (1667–1669).

An impressive and substantial 17th-century Italian theological work, published in Pistoia by Pietro Antonio Fortunati in 1644.

This remarkable volume comprises 947 numbered pages, preliminary leaves and an extensive alphabetical index, preserved in an attractive early leather binding.

Historical significance

Written by Evangelista da Momigno, the Direttorio de Superiori Regolari, et Ecclesiastici contains eighty sermons, exhortations, instructions and formularies intended for religious superiors and ecclesiastical authorities.

The work provides fascinating insights into the organisation and administration of religious communities in 17th-century Italy.

Among the subjects discussed are the election of religious superiors, admission into convents, monastic visitations, religious discipline and the responsibilities of ecclesiastical leadership.

Of particular historical interest is the dedication to Giulio Rospigliosi (1600–1669), who subsequently became Pope Clement IX in 1667.

This important association adds considerable historical appeal to the volume.

Bibliographical details

- Author: Evangelista da Momigno
- Title: Direttorio de Superiori Regolari, et Ecclesiastici
- Place of publication: Pistoia, Italy
- Printer: Pietro Antonio Fortunati
- Year: 1644
- Edition: First edition
- Language: Italian, with Latin passages
- Pagination: 947 numbered pages, unnumbered preliminary pages and alphabetical index
- Dimensions: 22 × 15 × 8 cm
- Binding: Early leather binding with raised bands on the spine

Printing and decoration

The volume features an attractive title page printed in red and black, incorporating an elaborate decorative border and a Franciscan emblem.

The text is further embellished with decorative initials and typographical ornaments, characteristic of fine Italian ecclesiastical printing of the Baroque period.

Condition

An appealing copy displaying the authentic character of a book printed almost four centuries ago.

The early leather binding shows age-related wear, particularly to the spine, corners and edges, but retains considerable historical charm.

The interior is generally fresh and well preserved for its age, with occasional spotting, minor discolouration and traces of old moisture staining.

The title page, preliminary matter, all 947 numbered pages and the complete printed alphabetical index, concluding with the words IL FINE, are present.

The text appears complete. The possible presence of an originally blank final leaf has not been bibliographically established.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

A fascinating historical volume

An attractive first edition of a substantial Italian ecclesiastical work, combining 17th-century printing, an early leather binding and a remarkable dedication to the future Pope Clement IX.

A desirable addition to collections of early Italian printing, ecclesiastical history, theology and papal history.