LEO I, Pope (c. 400-461). Sermones. Edited by Johannes Andreae, Bishop of Aleria. Venice: Lucas Dominici Filius Venetus, 7 August 1482.

Attractive early edition of the sermons of Pope Leo the Great. Leo’s papacy encompassed an important period in the history of the church, including the Council of Chalcedon, during which many issues of doctrine were settled. Leo was among the envoys sent by Emperor Valentinian III to negotiate peace with Atilla the Hun—whom he supposedly convinced not to invade Italy. His sermons, many of which aimed to bolster the Christological decisions made at Chalcedon, were printed seven times in the incunable period. BMC V 281; BSB-Ink L-102; Bod-inc L-068; IGI 5725; Goff L-134.

Chancery folio (297 x 202mm). 126 leaves [of 128, without initial and final blanks]. First large L in blue with pen flourishing, other initial spaces filled with red and blue humanist letters (a little soiled at ends). 18th-century red morocco gilt (boards detached). Provenance: some marginalia – Albert Ehrman, 1890-1969, diamond merchant and bibliophile (Broxbourne Library bookplate and AE diamond stamp).