Nicolao Orlandino & Francesco Sacchini - Historiae Societatis Iesu - 1620

Ann important early Jesuit book with a fascinating provenance chain. ORLANDINO, Nicolao & SACCHINI, Francesco Full title: Historiae Societatis Iesu Pars Prima sive Ignatius Auctore Nicolao Orlandino Societatis eiusdem sacerdote.... [Pars Secunda], Sive Lainius, Auctore R.P. Francisco SACCHINO... Antwerpiae [Antwerp]: Filios Martini Nutij, 1620. Folio. Two vols in 1. first edition of the second part by Sacchini; the first part, by Orlandini, was first published in 1614. These first two parts cover the history of the Jesuits until 1564; a further three parts were published later.With engraved title showing Ignatius and early members of the order. Carved woodcarving printer's mark at the end of part 1. There is an ink annotation to the bottom edge of the title page dated 1657. "[Belonging to] the Convent of Saint Mary of Grace near Paris, commonly called Picpus, of the Penitent Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Province of France. 1657." This was an important Franciscan convent, suppressed during the revolution when the library went on to the Jesuit college in Belgium. Another stamp to the first leaf for "Collegium Angiense Societis Jesus" (Maison Saint-Augustin at Enghien, in Belgium). Jesuits founded schools established on the principles of Ignatius and called them Collegium. Period (possibly contemporary) full leather. Six raised bands to the spine. Gilt titles and decorations to the spine. There is a small library stamp to the title page for "Bibliotheca Historica A. Hamy." almost certainly Père Alfred Hamy SJ, the 19th-century Jesuit historian of the Society's houses, author of "Documents pour servir à l'histoire des domiciles de la Compagnie de Jésus." The binding is a little rubbed to the edges, with cracking to the spine edges, with loss of leather cover to the spine edges. The contents of the book are in excellent condition, with a few foxing spots only. The first comprehensive history of the Society of Jesus and at the same time one of the most important works on the history of the missions, especially in the East Asian region. Contains numerous Chapters on China and Japan. De Backer-S. V, 1935. 4 and VII, 366, 6. Streit I, 172. Old Japan cat. 1096. Laures 340. Collation: Title, *2-**4, A-pp3, [printer's device], +-+6, A-Hh4. [i] Pagination: [14], 1-426, [24], [i], [12], 1-340, [26], [i]. pp 360 by 220mm (14¼ by 8¾ inches). This is quite a heavy book and the shipping price includes insurance.

Estimate:£803.79

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