Bernard of Clairvaux's Opuscula

Bernard of Clairvaux's Opuscula
Angelus and Jacobus Britannius, 1495
BERNARDUS CLARAVALLENSIS (1090-1153). Opuscula. Edited by Theophilus Brixianus. Brescia: Angelus and Jacobus Britannicus, 18 March 1495.

The most complete early edition of the works of Doctor Mellifluus. The Burgundian abbott Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, famed for his eloquence, was the first Cirstercian to be canonized. An important mover and shaker during the Renaissance of the 12th century, he is best known for his role in the second crusade, his conflict with scholastic philosopher Peter Abelard, and his devotion to the Virgin Mary. This edition of his collected works is rare at auction; the reprint by Bevilaqua of the same year is much more common. CR 994; GW 3907; BMC VII 977; BSB-Ink B-314.050; IGI 1547; Goff B-364; ISTC ib00364000.

Chancery octavo (138 x 96mm). 348 leaves. Some headlines heightened in red (first bifolium repaired at gutter, some dampstaining and spotting, especially at ends). Later vellum with gilt crowned monogram RO, red edges (a little wear). Provenance: a few marginal comments and marks (some cropped) – Verona, Benedictine abbey of Saint Nazaire of the Congregation of Saint Justina (partially effaced inscription) – Robert-Philippe-Louis-Eugène-Ferdinand d'Orléans, Duc de Chartres (1840-1910; stamp on title and monogrammed binding) – small book label with date 1870.