De Arte Bene Moriendi: libri duo

Book Description

Coloniæ Agrippinæ [but Amsterdam] Apud Cornelium ab Edmond [i.e. G. J. Blaeu], 1634. 12mo. 4 7/16 x 2 inches), contemporary burgundy morocco with a series of triple gilt fillet borders forming an inner panel with a coat of arms in the center; spine with four raised bands, gilt tooling and titling. Board edges gilt, inner gilt dentelles; a.e.gA characteristic 17th century Dutch book (with its false Cologne imprint) opens with an historiated engraved title-page featuring an elegantly dressed man facing a draped skeleton holding a scythe; in the lower compartment is an angel resting one arm on a skull, with a broken hourglass and some flowers. On the verso of A2 there is a portrait of the Cardinal, facing the first page of text. Another engraving (A8 verso) depicts what must be a wake, with people eating and drinking, while in the background an angel leads a figure towards Heaven.The author of this contemplative work was a distinguished theologian, writer, and cardinal, born at Montepulciano, 4 October, 1542; died 17 September, 1621. It was first published in 1620, and editions appeared in several languages into the eighteenth century. In addition to his writings on a variety of subjects, he became involved with the early stages of the Galileo case, and when the Holy Office condemned the heliocentric theory it became Bellarmine's official duty to signify the condemnation to Galileo and receive his submission. Cardinal Robert Bellarmine stood, at the time of Galileo's first published writing on the subject of Copernicanism, as the Church's chief guardian against deviationists and its chief defender of orthodoxy.  Bellarmine had waged many battles on behalf of papal power.  He sought to create a papal superstate guided by the decisions of the Council of Trent.  Bellarmine attacked anti-Catholic laws in England, angering English leaders--many of whom accused him of responsibility for the infamous "Gunpowder Plot" to blow up Parliament.  In 1600, he framed the decision that brought Giordano Bruno, convicted heretic, to his death by fire at the stake. Bellarmine took on few of the splendid trappings that usually accompanied life as a cardinal.  He lived a prayerful and ascetic lifestyle.  Although noted for his candor and temper, Bellarmine also could be easygoing and even childlike.  One historian notes that he was famous for his "lighthearted punning." This work, written during one of his last annual retreats, is divided into two books, the second of which begins with a full-page engraving (K7 verso), showing a man in his bed surrounded by family and church preparing to die peacefully. The art of dying well has been the subject of prints and books since the middle ages, and people have always looked to the church for guidance. A very nice copy of an uncommon book. The Art of Dying Well

Not sure what some of these terms mean? Look it up in our glossary.