Bibliotheca Heinsiana.
Leiden, [A. Elzevier for] J. de Vivie 1682.
Two parts in one volume. 12mo (152 x 97 mm.). [ii], 374, [2 blank], 286, [2 blank]p. Small Elzevier Non Solus title device.
Contemporary blind-ruled vellum over stiff paper boards (lightly soiled), later gilt-lettered red (title) and green spine labels, edges sprinkled red.
A PRICED PRESENTATION COPY. Son of the eminent classical scholar Daniel Heinsius and book scout for the Queen of Sweden, Nicholas built this fine library of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, incunables, books on vellum and classical texts annotated in manuscript by, i.a., his father, Gronovius, Junius and J.J. Scaliger. With some 20,000 volumes, this auction catalog also functioned as “almost a universal short-title catalogue” (Sibbald) and became “one of the most frequently consulted catalogues of its kind” (Breslauer & Folter). The lots are divided into twelve subject areas, then internally arranged by size.
Heinsius’ nephew J.G. van Absmade (d. 1690) gave this copy to David Knibbe (1639-1701), the Leiden pastor and prolific author, who recorded the gift on the front flyleaf. In good condition (lightly browned, some quires more so, one natural paper flaw neatly repaired).
¶Sibbald, “The Heinsiana” in Documenting the Early Modern Book World edd. Walsby & Constantinidou 141-59; Breslauer & Folter, Bibliography: Its History & Development 80; Pollard & Ehrman, Distribution of Books by Catalogue pp. 241-2 (“issue iii”) & no. 231; Willems, Les Elzevier 925.
Price: $5,500.00