This fascinating, rare antique volume from 1640 features Tome IV of Father Julien Hayneufve's celebrated Jesuit work, Les Sainctes Deuotions de l'Ame Chrestienne. Published in Paris by the legendary Sebastien Cramoisy—printer ordinary to the King and Queen—this book is a beautiful example of early 17th-century French printing, complete with crisp typography, ornate woodcut initials, and detailed header vignettes.
What makes this particular copy truly remarkable is its original full limp vellum binding. The front cover serves as a historical document in its own right, covered in extensive, contemporary 17th-century handwritten notations, calendar dates, and religious references. This incredible provenance gives the piece immense character and outstanding display appeal for collectors of early theology and rare book bindings.
Regarding condition, the original limp vellum cover shows a rich, deep honey patina with expected age wear, minor wrinkling, and edge curling typical of authentic 17th-century vellum. The binding remains structurally sound, and the internal text block is solidly bound, remarkably crisp, and highly legible throughout. For transparency, the front blank flyleaf has a large, clean historic tear across the top portion. The final leaves of the volume also exhibit a few small, isolated antique wormholes and minor paper splits near the inner margins and gutter, though these do not impact the main text. Light, natural age-toning and very minor peripheral damp-staining are also present. Please look at photos to carefully evaluate the exact condition, beautiful typography, and unique handwritten cover of this early Jesuit text.