Erasmus, 1522

ERASMUS, Desiderius (1466-1536). Ad reverendum in Christo … de interdicto esu carnium. Basel: Johann Froben, 1522.

Scarce first Froben edition of a controversial early work on vegetarian dining and fasting practices, in a contemporary binding. This epistle is addressed to the Humanist Bishop of Basel, arguing against religious prohibitions on meat on the grounds that that meatless dishes required more work and thus were more refined and more expensive. Critics suggested Erasmus was doing Luther's work for him—and perhaps he was; this copy was owned by the Lutheran theologian and musician Johann Jacob Cramer. There were several editions in different formats all published in this same year, but the present edition is from the press of Erasmus's main printer, Johann Froben, whose presswork he often oversaw himself. This edition is not recorded at auction by RBH or ABPC. Adams E-872; VD16 E-1900; Sebastiani, Johann Froben, Printer of Basel217; Bibliotheca Erasmiana p. 89.

Octavo (163 x 111mm). Greek and Latin types. Woodcut border to title by Hans Holbein the Younger and to the first text leaf, printer's device on final page (a bit dustsoiled, toning). Contemporary blindstamped black half morocco over thin pasteboard made from both manuscript and printed waste including c.1400 manuscript Breviary from France or Germany, covered by manuscript leaf painted black, old vellum spine label (joints repaired). Modern box. Provenance: Johann Jacob Cramer, 1658-1702 (inscription) – J.G. Schulthessi (dated 1760). Pencil annotations.