L'Abbé de Bérault-Bercaste - Histoire de l'Église - 1778-1790

Rare complete set (23/24 vol.) "Histoire de l'Église" (1778-1790) – Gorgeous Jesuit Provenance (Ghent) & Priest's Signature (1788)
Description:
For sale: An exceptional and historically valuable monumental series of "Histoire de l'Église" (History of the Church), written by the renowned Abbé de Bérault-Bercastel (Chanoine de l'Église de Noyon).
This concerns the original first edition (1778 - 1790), consecutively printed in Paris by the royal printer Moutard (Imprimeur-Libraire de la Reine).
Important specifications and features:

* Number of parts: The complete set should consist of 24 volumes. This set contains 23 volumes; unfortunately volume 23 (Tome XXIII) is missing. The set closes with the monumental final volume 24 (Tome XXIV, printed in 1790).
* Authenticity & Bindings: 100% guaranteed original antique from the 18th century. All books are in a good, sturdy condition with the original full leather bindings from that period (Plein cuir d'époque). The spines are beautifully adorned with gold tooling (lines and floral motifs) and carry contrasting title panels. There is normal, light aging wear to the edges and corners, which gives the books their unique character.
* Unique Provenance (Historical ownership): This copy has a brilliant, well-documented history that significantly increases its value:
1. Handwritten signature (1788): On the title page of the first part sits an authentic ink inscription by the first owner, the Flemish priest "Jacobo De Polder, presbytero", dated 1788 (shortly before the French Revolution).
2. Jesuit Stamp: Each volume bears the official round library stamp with the IHS monogram (the Christogram surrounded by a crown of thorns and cross) of the historic "Collegium S. Barbarae Gandae" (The Jesuit Saint Barbara College in Ghent, Belgium).
3. Shelf number: All volumes bear the accompanying handwritten library number "419", proving that this set has remained as a single unit in the same monastic library for centuries.
4. Original card: The antique library index card is still present with the set.

Summary:
A stunning museum-worthy possession for collectors of early church history, antique books, and Flemish/Ghent heritage. Despite the absence of volume 23, this is a rare opportunity due to its unique Ghent origin and the magnificent condition of the 18th-century leather.