Le triomphe de la charité en la vie du bien-heureux Jean de Dieu. Institution et progrez de son ordre religieux.

4to: [20]-408-12-[11-1 bl.] pp. (light normal toning).

Red morocco in 17th-c. style signed Thierry, sr. of Petit-Simier: covers with central gilt crowned monogram "LL" figuring dolphins (Dauphin de France), within triple gilt-ruled border frame, finely gilt-decor. spine with raised bands, gilt sides, a.e.g., gilt inside dentelles (only very lightly rubbed at sides or front joint). Very good copy in a fine binding.

Very rare first edition of the life of John of God by J. de Loyac (b. 1600?), preacher of the King. Engr. ill. signed Jean Lenfant: front. and 4 full-page pl. Dedicated to "la reyne mere du roy", i.e. Anne of Austria. John of God (João Cidade; Evora 1495-1550 Granada) was a Portuguese soldier turned health-care worker in Spain, whose followers later formed the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God in 1572, still a worldwide Catholic religious institute dedicated to the care of the poor, sick, and those suffering from mental disorders. In Italian they are known as the "Fatebenefratelli", the Brothers of Mercy.
Ref. BnF.
Prov. "Bibliothèque de Mr. de Barberey" (arm. bookpl. 1851). - Ingelmunster Castle Library (old arm. bookpl.). - Count Alberic Descantons de Montblanc, baron of Ingelmunster (1834-1914), Belgian people's representative and senator (old arm. bookpl.). - Mod. bookpl.