[PAGANISM

DESCRIPTION: I present at auction the FIRST EDITION (Editio Princeps) of a truly fascinating work with imposing bibliographic presence: “Ecclesiastici” (1683), written by William Cave, chaplain to King Charles II of England and one of the greatest scholars of ecclesiastical historiography of the seventeenth century. Printed in London in 1683 in its monumental large-format first edition (In-Folio) with a beautiful two-color typographic cover (red and black), this treatise not only studies the life of the great ecclesiastical patriarchs, but dedicates its extensive and striking introductory section to a thorough historical analysis of Paganism, its rites, its oracles, magic, and the bloody doctrinal struggles against the great sects of the ancient world. PAGANISM, BLOODY RITES, MAGIC, AND THE MOST MORBID SECTS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD: The greatest attraction and the most absorbing narrative of this work reside in its crude and detailed treatment of pagan practices and the heretical deviations that convulsed the Roman Empire after Constantine’s conversion: + The Collapse of Paganism and Forbidden Practices: Cave details with almost forensic precision the suppression of pagan sacrifices, profanation and destruction of ancient temples, omens, divination, the arcane arts of augurs, mathematicians and magi, and the persecution of astrologers at the imperial court. + Desecration of Tombs and Death Rites: He analyzes imperial laws against the violation of graves, nocturnal sacrifices, and the persistence of pagan worship in clandestinity. + The Rise of Arianism and Extreme Sects: A meticulous account of the fiercest doctrinal struggles of antiquity, unraveling the origins of heterodox sects, court intrigues, forced exiles, and martyrs. COMPLETE COLLECTION OF 15 MAGNIFICENT LITHOGRAPHIC ENGRAVINGS ON COPPER: This copy stands out for being enriched with an imposing iconographic program consisting of 15 full-page interleaved engravings, copper engravings of extraordinary definition and technical mastery: + 1 Large Copper Frontispiece Rich in Detail: An impressive engraving representing the Council of Nicea (Concilium Nicænum), with the bishops gathered under the Emperor’s gaze and a lower scene depicting the burning of heretical Arians’ books (THALIA). + 5 Engravings of Ancient Coins: Detailed copper plates faithfully reproducing Imperial Roman numismatics (reverses and reverses of Constantine the Younger, Constantius, Constans, etc.), showing pagan and paleocristian symbols. + 9 Monumental Portraits: Spectacular oval-format engravings with ornamental frames depicting the great protagonists of the era in architectural settings and ancient landscapes (Eusebius of Caesarea, Athanasius, Hilary of Poitiers, Basil the Great, Cyril of Jerusalem, among others). HISTORY OF SOME OF THE CHARACTERS IN THE WORK: -> Saint Athanasius of Alexandria and the Cut Hand of the Necromancer: Behind the sober and imposing copper portrait of Saint Athanasius lies one of the darkest and inquisitorial episodes of the IV century. His Arian enemies formally accused him before the Emperor of practicing black magic and necromancy, claiming that he had killed a synodical bishop named Arsenio to cut off his right hand and use it in horrifying divination and sorcery rituals. During the tumultuous Council of Tyre, the accusers presented a mummified hand placed in a chest as proof of the crime. Athanasius, with almost theatrical cunning, had Arsenio himself—who his men had traced hiding in a monastery—enter the room and, lifting his tunic, showed that he kept both hands intact, exposing the sinister conspiracy and saving his life by a narrow margin. -> Eusebius of Caesarea, the Tomb of the Messiah and the Secret Code of Constantine: Immortalized in his engraving together with the grand views of Alexandria and ancient manuscripts, Eusebius was not only the imperial biographer but the true architect of the mysticism of the Christian Empire. Considered by his detractors as a wise seer and guardian of arcane secrets, Eusebius led the excavations initiated by Empress Helena in Jerusalem to uncover the True Cross and locate the Sepulcher. He was attributed with possession of apocryphal gospels and the interpretation of astral omens, including the cosmic vision of the Royal Monogram in the sky before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. His figure embodies the fascinating transition between the wisdom of pagan oracles and the new dogmatic palace theology. PUBLICATION YEAR: London, England, United Kingdom 1683. 1st EDITION LANGUAGE: English (Original Version) SIZE AND pagination: Dimensions: 32 x 22 cm. Pagination: [2] + Title + [50] + LXXI + [1] + 543 + [1] + Appendix Title + 61 + [5] pp. COMPLETE WORK WITH 15 PRECIOUS ENGRAVINGS. CONDITION: Original full-leather binding, in good overall condition, with some nicks and signs of use, as shown in the photos. Spine with five raised bands decorated with gold vegetal motifs. The interior is well preserved, as shown in the photos. RARE FIRST EDITION WITH PRECIOUS AND DETAILED ENGRAVINGS. DO NOT LET IT SLIP AWAY. SHIPPING POLICY: Shipping costs are grouped to save you money. Economical dispatch with major carriers: Spain --> via CTT Express 24h or CORREOS Europe --> via UPS Express 48-72h / FedEx Express 48-72h (Some countries may have longer transit times) United States --> via UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h (We have been informed by our customers that these companies are less strict or do not apply the new 15% import tax to products) China --> via UPS Express 24h Rest of the World --> via UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h *Books will be carefully packed so they travel comfortably to their new home.

估價:$560.11

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