Paraphrasis in evangelium secundum Joannem, ad illustrißimum principem Ferdinandum, nunc primum excusa.
[Argentorati (Strasbourg)]: [Excudebat Joannes Knoblochus (Johann Knobloch)], [Anno. M. D. XXV. Mense Junio (1525, June)]. First Strasbourg edition of Erasmus’ commentary on the Gospel of John. n contemporary, richly tooled pigskin on wooden boards with three raised bands, two clasps (upper one partly missing). Provenance: F MINOR CON RATIS lettered on the front panel in black; from the Franciscan Convent of Regensburg. 8º; Sign.: a–y8 z4 A8 [last blank]; ff. 185 [3 (last blank)]. Title page with architectural woodcut border. Two 16th-century possessor’s inscriptions on the title page. The border of the title page, the first initial, and a few words of the dedication colored in red by a contemporary hand. Occasional notes, and chapter numbers at the upper corner in somewhat later gray ink. o1 and t3 torn at the margin. Binding somewhat rubbed at the extremities, the upper other corner of the front panel bumped. Overall in very good condition.
Between 1517 and 1523 Erasmus composed and published his monument project, a commentary on all New Testament books (except Revelation) in the form of a paraphrase. In the present volume, Paraphrase on John, (first published in 1523[?]) Erasmus advocates a new Christianity, “the philosophy of Christ”, and implicitly criticizes the clergy of his own age.
A scarce edition, USTC locates only six copies in Germany (5) and Belgium (1), and RBH recorded 3 copies within the last 100 years.
USTC 625980.
First Strasbourg edition of Erasmus’ commentary on the Gospel of John.
Price: €3,000.00