1664 Mons Thabor Sive Solitudo..., by Bisling and 1665 Epistola by Nicolaus Lancicius

Two works in one; predominantly Mons Thabor Sive Solitudo... by Anselm Bisling, but at the rear is a rarish work (five hard copies in the world's libraries, per OCLC), Epistola by the Polish Jesuit Nicolaus Lancicius.

This book displays well the international nature of Catholicism. The first book was written by a Benedictine monk, Bisling and printed at the large and historic Abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland. The second work is by a Jesuit from Poland, Lancicius and was printed in Germany. The title page seems to say "Maria in Lapide 1665", which may point to the church Santa Maria in Lapide, which is in Italy. The binding clasps point to still other provenance, with a small "LH" and a head profile tooled into the brass; possibly the Herff. family of the ex-libris which is likely French or English based on the Lion Rampants and the fleur-de-lis. And lastly, per the other easily identified ex-libris, the book travelled to the library of the Morton Eden family in Britain, with their motto "Si Sit Prudentia" quickly confirming the provenance.

Rarity -

The Epistola of Lancicius has five entries in OCLC, each with a different number, but each with only one copy recorded, for a total count of five hard copies in the world's libraries.

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 14.5 x 9.5 x 4.5 cm, 12mo. Calf binding with blind tooling to the front and rear boards; central quartet of tulips with corner fleurons and bordered by a double fillet. Spine with four raised bands. Two brass clasps, closing. Pages - (1 - flyleaf), iv leaves, 547 numbered pages, vi leaves - index, Epistola of Lancicius - 53 numbered pages, 2 blank leaves, (1 - rear flyleaf).

Condition -

See pictures. Contemporary beveled binding, but re-backed and lower clasp has some damage. Binding with rubs, edge wear, etc.. All edges are a little darkened. Ex-libris Morton Eden on pastedown. Ex-libris Daniel Herff on verso of flyleaf. Flyleaf later (reback), extends far up gutter of title page touching some text at gutter. Title page with 17th century inscription, perhaps reading "... Maria in Lapide 1665". Some thumbing, toning, foxing, etc. throughout. Top edge has moisture mark line, occasionally touching page heading. Clasps have rubbed paper just lightly along fore-edge. Small insect (mosquito?) squished at p. 31. Epistles of Lancicius darkened at rear.