Constitutiones Ordinis Fratrum Eremitarum Sancti Augustini Nuper Recognitae.
Rome, Antonio Blado 1551.
Two parts in one volume. Folio (318 x 217 mm.). [v], [i blank], XIX, [1], XLVIII, [1], [9], LVI [r. 62], [2] leaves. FIFTEEN PAGES PRINTED IN RED AND BLACK WITH WOODCUT BORDERS, THIRTY-SIX PAGES OF MUSIC IN RED AND BLACK, the Augustinian Hermits’ woodcut device on the main and divisional titles.
18th-century vellum over boards, flat spine and blue morocco label gilt, yellow edges.
First Edition. These articles governed every aspect of the lives of the members of the Hermits of St. Augustine (est. 1256).
This splendid folio has five main parts. The first gives the Rule with the commentary of Hugh of St. Victor (d. 1141). Second are the fifty-three guidelines, or Constitutions (1290), which concern, i.a., the administration of the Order, the conduct and daily routines of its members, BOOKS FOR THE CHOIR, grounds for expulsion, care of the sick, PENALTIES FOR FORGING OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, and so on. Third is the beautiful liturgical calendar. Fourth are instructions for the Mass with the Ordinary and its music. Last is Onofrio Panvinio’s tabular chronicle of the Order.
This luxurious volume ranks among Blado’s earliest music books. It is certainly the most impressive. I have located two examples in the U.S. A good copy (a few blank margins with a pale stain, the first two blank lower margins neatly supplied).
¶Fumagalli & Belli, Catalogo delle edizioni…di Antonio Blado 122; EDIT16 CNCE 472.
Price: $9,800.00