Compilation of first or early editions of four of the most important religious works by Desiderius Erasmus, all printed during his lifetime. The texts, which were incredibly popular in his own time, were written to promote a more accurate understanding of the scriptures, and make them more accessible to the public. Lifetime editions of these four works are quite rare on the market.
In 1516, Erasmus published his revolutionary Latin edition of the Greek New Testament. It was not so much a translation, but more a correction, as Erasmus intended to free the text of the imperfections that had built up over time. When finished, he began working on other parts of the scriptures with the same goal. The first two works in the present volume include his paraphrases of the letters of Paul. They were first issued separately in 4 parts, starting in 1517. The present works are part of the first collected edition of the Pauline letters, published by Froben in 1520 and 1521. This edition is praised for the fine title borders and initials, some of them are known to have been cut by Johann Faber after drawings by the renowned artist Hans Holbein the Younger, who often worked for Froben. The beautiful border on fol. 2A1 has been monogrammed by Ursus Graf ("VG").
The third work of this collection, Modus orandi Deum, is considered a centrepiece of Erasmus teachings on prayer. In it, he explains the importance of prayer, and provides a manual for how one should pray. He criticises monastic prayer, long church services, and practices that place the focus on the number of psalms said rather than their content. Instead, he emphasises inner devotion and personal communication with God. The work was first published in October 1524 by Froben and in December 1524 by Knobloch. The present March 1525 edition is the second by Knobloch.
The final work of the compilation was first published anonymously in 1520 as Consilium cujusdam ... cupientis esse consultum & R. Pontificis dignitati & christianae religionis tranquillitati. Only two Latin editions and two German translations of it have been recorded by Vander Haeghen.
With a contemporary ownership annotation at the head of the title page ("Martini i iouilliami Vinter"), a later annotation at the foot ("Bernardhus Chymel alias Thalheuser"), and a faded library stamp, a few contemporary annotations and nota signs in the margins, in 2 different hands. The pigskin has been washed, with later clasps, a few worm holes on the spine. The work is lightly browned throughout, with water stains on some of the leaves, mostly in the margins, a brown stain on the title-page of ad 3. Otherwise in good condition. Ad 1: Adams E 791; BM STC German p. 115; Erasmus Online 2919; USTC 682536 (11 copies); Vander Haeghen I, 144; VD16 E 3329; Ad 2: Adams E 792; BM STC German p. 115; Erasmus Online 2914; Vander Haeghen I, 144; this ed. not in the USTC; VD 16; Ad 3: Adams E 697; Erasmus Online 2427; USTC 676364 (10 copies); Vander Haeghen I, 120; VD16 E 3176; not in BM STC German; Ad 4: Erasmus Online 5731; USTC 623273 (3 copies); Vander Haeghen I, 59; VD16 E 2542; not in Adams; BM STC German.