Orpheus Eucharisticus sive Deus absconditus humanitatis illecebris illustriores mundi partes ad se pertrahens, ultroneas arcanae maiestatis adoratrices. Opus novum in varias historicorum emblematum aeneis tabulis incisorum centurias distinctum […]. Tomus primus [all publ.].

8vo: 699-[33] pp. (toned, front. soiled, some marg. soiling, bottom edge and final quires dampstained).

Cont. gold-tooled red morocco, covers with gilt ruled frames, corner pieces and central heart emblem, richly gilt spine on 5 raised bands, gilt inside dentelles, a.e.g., marbled endpapers (sl. loosening at front, corners bumped). Fine copy.

Very rare 1st edition 1st issue (re-issued 1659) of an intelligently arranged emblem book by the Augustinian A. Chesneau (1615-1679) on the Eucharist, comparing Christ’s influence on mankind with Orpheus’ power in the natural world. A French version, by A. Lubin, was publ. 1667 as "Emblemes sacrez sur le … sacrement de l’Eucharistie". Engr. front. and 100 engr. emblems by Albert Flamen. Ref. Landwehr (Romanic) 224. - Adams/Rawles/Saunders (French embl. bks) F.181. - Praz 304. - Goldsmith (BL) C-878. - Not in Emblem books Leiden. Prov. Old ownership entry deleted.