March II 2021 Catalogue

B a u m a n R a r e B o o k s F a i t h 2 0 2 1 14 Torsellini’s Biography Of Jesuit Founder Francis Xavier, In Splendid Armorial Calf-Gilt 14. TORSELLINI, Horatii. De Vita B. Francisci Xaverii [Of the Life of the Blessed Francis Xavier]. Lyon, 1607. 12mo, contemporary full brown calf gilt rebacked with original spine laid down. $2500. Click for More Info Early edition of Torsellini’s noted biography of Francis Xavier, in beautiful armorial binding. One of the six founding members of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), Francis Xavier served as a missionary in Portugal, Western India, Sri Lanka and Japan. “Francis was one of the greatest of Christian missionaries… his successes in preaching and in personal conversion were tremendous” (Columbia University Press). Pope Gregory XV canonized Xavier, along with Ignatius of Loyola, as a saint in 1622. Text in Latin. Calligraphic ink inscription in Latin dated 1611. Mild dampstaining to lower right corner of text block, marginal tears with loss to first several and last two leaves, not affecting text, minor rubbing to bright gilt. A beautiful, near-fine volume.