Vita S. Beggae, ducissa Brabantiae Andetemensium, Begginarum, et Beggardorum faundatricis.

4to: [36]-758 [= 748]-[3-1 bl.] pp.

Contemp. blind-stamped calf, coat of arms on covers, gilt spine with 4 raised bands, blue edges (sl. rubbed, joints splitting, head and corners def.). Very good copy.

Extensive biography of St Begga (d. 693) in support of the thesis that she initiated the phenomenon of Beguines and the like, written by Josephus Geldolphus van Ryckel (Oirbeek, Tienen 1581 - Leuven 1642), abbot of St Gertrudis (Leuven). Woodcut mark on title. Title in red and black.
Ref. BCNI 8420. - STCV.
Prov. Maximilien de Leefdael, Abbot of Saint Gertrude of Leuven (1610-1668) (blind-stamped coat of arms with device "E Valle Vita" on covers). - Pierre François Xavier de Ram, first rector of the new Catholic University of Belgium (1804-1865) (ms. entry, 1838). - Libr. stamp.
Bound with, same author and place: Vitae S. Gertrudis, abbatissae Nivellensis, Brabantiae tutelaris, historicae narrationes tres […]. 1632. [32]-204-[7] pp. Very rare early biography of St Gertrude of Nivelles. Woodcut mark on title. Title in red and black. Ref. BCNI 8535. - STCV.