Historia ecclesiastica.

£9,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

the most important historian of late antiquity One of the earliest printed editions of Eusebius of Caesarea's Historia ecclesiastica, translated from the Greek into Latin by the monk and theologian Rufinus of Aquileia (d. AD 411). This edition, the second to be published in Italy, was preceded by three others, printed in Utrecht, Strasbourg, and Rome. It is the last of about seven known books whose printing was attributed to Schallus (Mantua, between 1475 and 1479). Eusebius (d. AD 339) wrote the Historia ecclesiatica during the reign of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome, and ended his narrative before the death of Constantine's son Crispus in July AD 326. It is the most important contemporary history of the early Church, and one of the most valuable historical sources written in the late antiquity, especially noted for its detailed description of the various early sects, movements and schisms within the burgeoning church. This edition includes the continuation by Rufinus of Aquileia of the history down to the year 403 AD. The inscription to the front pastedown reads 'Questa edizione trovasi pregiatissima presso tutti i bibliografi ed il presente esemplare è riguardevole per la sua bella conservazione' ('This edition is very valuable to all bibliographers and the present example is remarkable for its good condition'). Fourth edition; small folio (25.5 x 17.3 cm); text in Latin, [171] leaves of 172 (lacking final blank), signatures supplied in manuscri

• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.