Manhattan Rare Book Company

EXTREMELY RARE 1564 FIRST PRINTING of the Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, one of the most important publications in the history of the Catholic Church; printed by Paulus Manutius and Aldus the Younger of the Aldine Press and the request of Pope Pius IV.

The Council of Trent (1545-63), was "highly important for its sweeping decrees on self-reform and for its dogmatic definitions that clarified virtually every doctrine contested by the Protestants. Despite internal strife, external dangers, and two lengthy interruptions, the council played a vital role in revitalizing the Roman Catholic Church in many parts of Europe. Pius IV confirmed the council's decrees in 1564 and published a summary of its doctrinal statements; observance of disciplinary decrees was imposed under sanctions. In short order the catechism of Trent appeared, the missal and breviary were revised, and eventually a revised version of the Bible was published. By the end of the century, many of the abuses that had motivated the Protestant Reformation had disappeared, and the Roman Catholic Church had reclaimed many of its followers in Europe" (Britannica). 



Commissioned by Pius IV, Paulus Manutius of the esteemed Aldine Press traveled to Rome to produce this beautifully printed summary of the doctrines, decrees, and conclusions of the Council. With engraved initials throughout and the large familiar Aldine anchor device printed on title. 



There were several printings of the Canones in 1564. This is the FIRST PRINTING, with undated privilege on verso of title, pagination in Roman numerals, incorrect catchword on F4, and final dated leaf (M.D.LXIIII) at page CCXXXIX.



Canones, et Decreta Sacrosancti Oecumenici, et Generalis Concilii Tridentini sub Paulo III, Iulio III, Pio IIII, Pontificibus Max. Romae: Paulum Manutium, Aldi F., 1564. Folio (210x297mm), contemporary vellum; custom half-leather box. Binding with only light wear and soiling; Repaired tears to upper margin of leaves A2-C2. Some barely noticeable worming in gutter of A1-B3, and top margins of F6-I4 and R1-V6. Occasional soiling but generally text very clean and fresh. A handsome, large, wide-margined copy in contemporary binding. RARE.

Price: $25,000 .