M. Himbert - Éclaircissemens pour l’intelligence du sens litteral des Epistres de Saint Paul - 1690

Clarifications for the understanding of the literal sense of the Epistles of Saint Paul, and other books of the New Testament,

by M. Himbert, priest, doctor of theology of the Sorbonne, and grand archdeacon of Sens.

The title page bears the date 1690, with Paris booksellers Léon de Laulne and Louis Roulland named in the imprint.

Printing in Paris by Robert J. B. de La Caille, 1690, adding an appealing bibliographical detail for collectors of early French printing.

Produced during the reign of Louis XIV, this work belongs to the learned Catholic tradition of scriptural commentary devoted to the literal sense of the New Testament. Saint Paul’s epistles form its central focus, placing the book within the study of Christian doctrine, grace, morality, and ecclesiastical scholarship in late seventeenth-century France.

The brown leather binding retains raised spine bands and traces of gilt floral decoration characteristic of French bindings of the period. Inside, contrasting roman and italic typography, an ornamental initial, and a decorative headpiece with winged figures lend strong visual interest. A loose inscribed clerical visiting card shown among the leaves suggests later devotional or scholarly use, though it does not establish ownership. One photographed royal privilege concerns a differently titled work, Les Conseils de la Sagesse; its relationship to the present volume requires physical collation. Completeness, exact contents, and full pagination remain unverified. An engaging acquisition for collectors of antique theological books, Louis XIV printing, and historic Christian scholarship.

Condition
An appealing, age-worn example. Leather shows rubbing, cracking. Pages remain legible.