LIPOMANUS, Aloysius (1500–1559), and LAURENTIUS SURIUS (1522–1578)

1576 De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis – Aloysius Lipomanus & Laurentius Surius

A remarkable 16th-century Catholic hagiographical book, this 1576 Cologne edition of De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis represents an important Renaissance printing associated with Aloysius Lipomanus (1500–1559) and Laurentius Surius (1522–1578).

Published in Coloniae Agrippinae (Cologne) by Geruinus Calenius and the heirs of Quentelios in 1576, this substantial folio antique book comprises the first volume covering January and February. The work originated with the Venetian bishop Aloysius Lipomanus and was subsequently expanded and edited by the Carthusian scholar Laurentius Surius.

The volume is an important example of 16th-century Catholic literature and Renaissance hagiography, reflecting the scholarly and devotional culture of the Counter-Reformation. Books by Lipomanus and Surius are of particular interest to collectors of early Christian books, Catholic history, saints' literature and ecclesiastical scholarship.

Collation & Features

The title page features an engraved portrait medallion together with a woodcut initial and typographic ornament. The text is printed in a clear Roman type on laid paper, with the generous margins characteristic of the large folio format.

• Authors: Aloysius Lipomanus and Laurentius Surius
• Title: De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis
• Publication: Coloniae Agrippinae (Cologne)
• Publisher/Printer: Geruinus Calenius and heirs of Quentelios
• Year: 1576
• Volume: First volume, January–February
• Format: Folio, approx. 294 × 215 mm
• Subject: Catholic hagiography, saints' lives and ecclesiastical history
• Printing: Roman type on laid paper
• Features: Engraved portrait medallion, woodcut initial and typographic ornament

Binding

The book retains a contemporary or near-contemporary full calf binding, showing visible abrasions, surface loss and extensive signs of use. The spine has raised bands and displays natural rubbing and age-related wear.

Despite the external wear, the binding remains structurally sound.

Condition

The text block is complete. The book shows occasional staining and damp marks, minor edge wear and natural age toning throughout, all consistent with a 16th-century working ecclesiastical volume.

The inner hinges are partially split but remain holding. The book has not been restored, preserving its historical character and evidence of use.

Provenance

Early ownership inscription(s) appear on the title page and preliminary leaves. These inscriptions are partially legible and provide evidence of the book's historical ownership and use.

A Significant Renaissance Book

This 1576 Renaissance printing is an appealing acquisition for collectors of antique books, Catholic literature, ecclesiastical history, Renaissance printing and Counter-Reformation studies. Early folio editions of Lipomanus and Surius with original or near-original bindings are particularly interesting as surviving examples of early Catholic scholarly and devotional publishing.

Details

• Authors: Aloysius Lipomanus & Laurentius Surius
• Title: De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis
• Date: 1576
• Place: Cologne, Germany
• Language: Latin
• Format: Folio
• Dimensions: Approx. 294 × 215 mm
• Volume: January–February
• Binding: Contemporary or near-contemporary full calf
• Paper: Laid paper
• Subject: Hagiography, saints' lives, Catholic history
• Condition: Complete text block; unrestored, with age-related wear, staining and binding wear
• Provenance: Early ownership inscriptions, partially legible