1652 Commentary on Ruth (in Latin) by the Jesuit Diego de Celada,Literal & Moral

A rare folio Jesuit commentary by Diego de Celada, printed in 1652 by the printing dynasty of Verdussen (with a wonderful printer's mark of their red lion). At the time of this listing I do not find another copy available for sale.

Widely overlooked, it seems no one has yet produced a biography or critical study of this prolific 17th century Jesuit, Celada, who in period was quoted along with Bellarmine as authoritative and was a Professor of Theology at the Imperial College of Madrid.

Full Title (Description of the Work) Roughly Translated

In Ruth, commentary literal and moral, and double tract index

The mystical doctrine of Boaz. On the second, of the Eucharist: a figure, the second with Ruth, which they delineated, when praise of the Virgin Mother of God is proclaimed.

With five indicators:

I Paragraphs morality

II Politico-Christian tradition is handed down

III For the season, and secured numerous consciones

IV A collection of Scripture

V And the words

Now first in this country produced. Antwerp

Provenance

Hailing from two theological libraries:

1. Title page inscription denoting the Carmelitas Decalzas (Discalced Carmelites, Barefoot Monks) Convent of Cascais, which was dissolved in 1834. Today it houses the Centro Cultural de Cascais.

2. The book is freshly withdrawn from the library of the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.

Physical Attributes

Folio. Measuring 35 x 22.5 x 5.5 cm. Pages - (1), viii, 604 numbered pages, three indices, (1) . Leather binding with several frames, fillets, with an attractive floral arrangement making up the inner frame. Name on spine in gilt along with several flowers.

Condition

See pictures. I applied a coat of Klucel G (leather consolidator) to the leather to stabilize it. The spine leather was hanging from just one side so I used library techniques (Japanese rice paper, acid free paste, etc.) to reconnect it; these rice paper pieces barely attach to leather at each side and are painted to match (top compartment less well done than other two). I also strengthened the front board attachment with binders thread sewn through cords and onto the back of the board, rice paper crashes between three of the cords, and a new paste down. The binding should last another hundred years at least. The book is ex-library (twice, see provenance) with all associated marks, occasional damp spots and etc. Overall a solid book, pleasing to look at with a notable attractive pattern tooled into the boards.