Johannes de Tambaco's Consolatio theologiae

Johannes de Tambaco's Consolatio theologiae
Printer of Henricus Arminensis (Georg Reyser?), c.1478
JOHANNES DE TAMBACO (1288-1372). Consolatio theologiae. [Strasbourg: Printer of Henricus Ariminensis (Georg Reyser?), about 1478.]

First unabridged edition, second overall, of an influential theological work by a student of Meister Eckhart; in a contemporary binding. Despite the fact that Johannes testified against Eckhart at his heresy trial, he still quotes extensively (yet very carefully) from his former teacher’s Das Buch der göttlichen Tröstung in this work. Modeled on Boethius's Consolatio philosophiae, the present text inspired an entire genre of theological “consolations.” It circulated extensively in manuscript form during the 14th and 15th centuries, and went through 6 incunable editions—including a Dutch translation. BMC and Polain assign this edition to Georgius de Spira. HC(+Add) 15236*; BMC II 484; BSB-Ink I-524; Bod-inc J-200; Ohly-Sack 1693, 1694; Goff J-436; ISTC ij00436000.

Chancery folio (298 x 197mm). 294 leaves. Red initials and capital strokes (some dampstaining and toning, ink stain on one opening). Contemporary stamped reversed deerskin over wooden boards, clasps, manuscript pastedowns consisting of a letter dated 1479 in front, calendar for 1478 in rear; blue edges, paper label on front cover and spine (binding very worn with repairs). Provenance: partially effaced monastic ownership inscription.