First Antwerp edition of the collected works of Aurelius Prudentius Clemens (348-405), one of the most significant early Christian poets of the Western tradition. Known for bridging classical Roman literary techniques with Christian themes, Prudentius poetry combines deep theological reflection with the elegance of Latin verse.
The present work was published in 1536, although the dedicatory epistle by Johannes Sichard (ca. 1499-1557) to Martinus Golias is dated from Basel, March 1537. It features extensive commentaries by the Spanish humanist Elio Antonio de Nebrija (1441-1522), renowned for his pioneering work in Latin and Spanish grammar, alongside annotations by the German humanist Sichard. The edition consolidates insights from earlier Basel and Aldine manuscripts, and it contains Psychomachia, the first allegorical poem in Latin literature depicting the battle of virtues against vices, here in a meticulously edited form.
Other works included are the famous Cathemerinon, twelve hymns structured around the hours of the day and church festivals, the Peristephanon, fourteen poems celebrating the martyrdom of Spanish and Roman saints, Apotheosis, a polemic defending the divinity of Christ, Hamartigenia, a theological poem on the origin of sin, opposing Gnostic dualism, Libri contra Symmachum, two books opposing the pagan senator Symmachus demands regarding the altar of victory, and finally Enchiridion Novi et Veteris Testamenti.
With annotations on the recto and verso of the first flyleaf, on the title page, and a struck through ownership inscription ("D Michael Fontamus") also on the title page. Some titles in the contents have been supplemented by the annotator. Otherwise, in very good condition. Adams P 2181; Machiels P 1217; Nijhoff & Kronenberg 1768; USTC 403259; not in STCV.