Rhetorica divina [and] EPHREM SYRUS, De compunctione cordis [and other writings].

8vo: [80] ff., 54 ll. (some minor soiling or staining, occ. thumbing).

Mod. quarter vellum, marbl. paper boards, spine on 5 raised bands. Good copy ruled in red.

Early incunable ed. (1st 1483) of the "Divine Rhetoric" of the Paris bishop William of Auvergne (1180-1249), in which he aimed to explain and illustrate for his priests and people the art of prayer. The work lists and explains 7 characteristics or perfections of prayer, but it is perhaps best known for its application of Ciceronian rules of oratory to Christian texts. Printed in gothic type, in 2 cols. Capital spaces with guide-letters. Rubricated in red and blue, with a 4-line initial in blue, red, green and gold on 2a1r). Ref. ISTC ig00715000. - GW 11867. - Goff G-715. - Polain 4402. - BMC III:790. - BSB-Ink G-477. - Not in CIBN. Prov. "F. Natalis Maleatus Boniportuen(sis)" (old name in gold on a blue banner on 2a1r.). - Old names on title. - [Georges Petit].