1513, Florence, octavo by Phil. Juntin. (Migne) Not checked However Bryce lists it as one of those he has inspected, and according to his list it does not in fact contain any Tertullian.

• Migne: Cum Lactantio iterum iterumque prodiit Tertulliani Apologeticon:... 1513, ...; Florent. 8^o, ap. Phil. Junt. Juntinae exempla seorsum etiam reperias. Vid. Cat. Bibl. Pinell. PP. lat., n. 684.
• A copy is listed at Durham (Details from Copac): 
  Tertulliani Apologeticus adversus gentes. -- Publisher: [Impressum Florentiae] : [sumptibus Philippi de Giunta Florentini], [Anno 1513] -- Physical Desc.: 47 leaves (8o) -- Location: Palace Green Library.
• A copy is listed at the British Library (Details from Copac): 
  Title Details: Q. Sptimi florentis Tertuliani Apologæticus adversus gentes. -- Edition:[Another edition.], Apologeticus aduersus Gentes. -- Publisher:Florentiæ : Sumptibus Philippi de Giunta, 1513. -- Physical Desc.: 8o.
• A copy is listed in the catalogue of Canterbury Cathedral library.  47 leaves: 12mo.  [Colophon:] Florentiae: sumptibus Philippi de Giuntam 1513.  Acquired at the Pinelli auction (1789).  Not checked.

1515 : ALDUS : Lactantius, Apologeticum.  Venice.  

• Migne: Printed Venetiis in oedibus Aldi et Andreae soceri, in April 1515. Includes Jerome's life of Tertullian, and a list of chapters.  "In fronte: TERTULLIANUS. Praemittuntur praeter Jo. Bapt. Egnatii Ven. ad Gasp. Contarenum Patricium Venet. et philosophum praecipuum epist. dedicatoriam, Hieronymi vita Tertulliani, et capitum tabula." Dedicated to Gasp. Contarenus, Patricium Venet. Not checked  
• Adams L16 (Cambridge copies: CUL, Trinity, Jesus).
• Also listed at Brigham Young University, and displayed on their website, from which these images are taken.
  URLs: http://library.byu.edu/~aldine/32Lactantius.html, and also at http://www.lib.byu.edu/~aldine/32Lactantius.html from which the following information is extracted. This is no. 32 in their collection of Aldine editions, and is a Lactantius and Apologeticus, 8° ; 348, 48 leaves; 150 x 95mm, printed by the Aldine press, and was "the first book produced by the Aldine Press after the death of its founder, Aldus Manutius. It is particularly important to the history of printing because its preface contains the first public announcement of the death of Aldus, which had occurred on 6 February 1515".  Some images of the volume were also online: ³

  

• Two copies are listed in the Bodleian online catalogue:
  Title: L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani diuinarum instituionum libri septem [&c. Followed by] Q. Septimii Florentis Tertulliani Apologeticus aduersus gentes. -- Publisher: Ven. 1515. -- Description: <[2 pt.].> ; (80). 
• Also listed by Bryce :
  1515 : Venezia : 8° : L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani [Opera], ed. Aldus MANUTIUS and Johannes Baptista EGNATIUS. in ædibus Aldi et Andreæ soceri. + DI, ID, OD, acEDI, AP, RD, PD, TA.
• Listed by Copac at Birmingham (Physical Desc.: 16cm), Liverpool (Adams L16 - not regarded as a separate work from the Lactantius of 1515 -; Ren. I, 165, no. 3. Bound with, and probably printed and published with, Lactantius, 1515.), Durham (Physical Desc.: [4], 48 leaves (8o)), British Library.
• Listed twice by Copac at Glasgow: the first (Sp Coll BD2-h.27) as 12mo, for some reason; the second (Sp Coll Hunterian Bd.3.8) as '1 v (8vo)'.
• Listed twice by Copac at Manchester: First copy (Deansgate/228) has brief details.  The second (Deansgate/Christie Coll. /34 a 16):
  L. C. Lactantii Firmiani divinarum institutionum libri septem : De ira Dei, liber I. De opificio Dei, liber I. Epitome in libros suos liber acephalos. Phoenix. Carmen de dominica resurrectione. (Interpretatio dictionum Graecarum, quae in Lactantio reperiuntur ... recensente ... M. Musuro.) - (Tertullianus) -- Venetiis : in aedibus Aldi, et Andreae soceri, 1515 -- 2 pts. [in 1 vol.] (8vo.) -- Edited by J. B. Egnatius.
• Listed by Copac at Magdalen College, Oxford:
  Lactantius, ca. 240-ca. 320 -- L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani Diuinarum institutionum libri septem : De ira Dei, liber I. De opificio Dei, liber I. Epitome in libros suos liber acephalos. Phoenix. Carmen de dominica Resurrectione -- Publisher: Venetiis : In aedibus Aldi, et Andreae soceri, mense Aprili. M.D.XV -- Physical Desc.: [16], 348, [12], [4], 48 leaves ; 80 -- Notes: Aldus' mark on t.p. and on first and last pages of the appended Tertullianus; Diuinarum institutionum libri septem; I4 signed as H4; L4 as K4; "Interpretatio dictionum Graecarum quae in Lactantio reperiuntur ... recensente emendanteque Marco Musuro" (8 l.) and "Carmen de passione Domini" (2 l.) follow l. 348; Preface by G.B. Egnazio, addressed to Antoni Trivulzio, is a eulogy for Aldo Manuzio (d. Feb. 6, 1515); Signatures: aa-bb8 a-z8 A-Y8; The Tertullianus was not issued separately, and in the reprint of the Lactantius, 1535, the Tertullianus is included in the register at the end; With: Tertullianus. Venetiis : In aedibus Aldi, et Andreae soceri, mense Aprili M.D.XV. -- Manuzio, Aldo, 1449 or 1450-1515
• From a dealer catalogue (September 2005):
  TERTULLIEN (Tertullian): Apologeticus adversus gentes. Venise, in Aedibus Aldi et Andreae Soceri, avril 1515. In-8 (164 x 95 mm), demi-velin mouchete, plats de cartonnage a bulles, tranches dorees et ciselees (rel. debut XVIIIe), (4), 48 f., grande marque des Alde au titre et au verso du dernier feuillet. Premiere edition aldine, editee par G.B. Egnatius. (Adams, L-16. 'Bibliotheca Aldina, Wittock', n°28. Brunet, III, 736. Renouard, p. 70). Ex-libris 'Giovanni Matteo Romano' manuscrit. Bon exemplaire. Price: EUR 1300.00 

Early Collected Editions

The early editors attempted to print whatever they could find. It is worth noting that they did not always bother to print things that were hard to read; we know they had access to the Codex Agobardinus, since it is marked up with printer's page numbers, but the Ad Nationes, contained only in that codex, was not printed by anyone until Gothofried. In 1500 many manuscripts were extant which are now lost, which makes the early editions very valuable as a witness to text-variants unknown today. Generally the text will have notes, which list the variant reading of a given codex if it wasn't used, and from this some estimation of that manuscript can be obtained. (see manuscripts).

1521 : EDITIO PRINCEPS. Adams T405 (CUL, Emmanuel (Spieringk bdg)).  Basle, edited by Beatus Rhenanus of Selestadt, printed by Froben. Far and away the most sumptuous of the editions, with fine engravings, broad margins, etc. There is a list of contents on the reverse of the title page. Each text is preceded by an Argumentum but is otherwise largely devoid of notes, with the exception of De Corona, and 6 brief notes on Ad martyras.  Text critical notes appear extensively in the margins (but are progressively transferred into Annotationes in the subsequent editions of 1528 and 1539), mainly concerned with manuscript variants and conjectures.

Rhenanus had access to two manuscripts; the Paterniacensis (from Payerne/Paeterlingen) and the Hirsaugiensis (from Hirsau in Lower Germany, now lost). He mentions the Gorze and Fulda codices (both also lost), but says he couldn't get hold of them ² This copy in CUL. Checked . Online: Title Page(f1r), Reverse of Title Page (f.1v). I have seen this offered for $1400.

Opera / Q. Septimii Florentis Tertvlliani inter Latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi, sine quorum lectione nullum diem intermittebat olim diuus Cyprianus, per Beatum Rhenanum Seletstadiensem è tenebris eruta atque à situ pro uirili uindicata, adiectis singulorum librorum argumentis & alicubi coniecturis, quibus uetustissimus autor nonnihil illustratur ; Quorum catalogum proxima pagina reperies Seueuro Pertinace, & Antonino Caracalla, ualde uicinus Apostolorum temporibus, circi annu[m] a Christo passo CLX. Quare boni co[n]sulenda sunt, huius scripta, si alicubi uarient a receptis horum temporum dogmatis, cum omneis synodos antecesserit, Apostolicis illis exceptis, quarum in Actis Lucas commeminit. Gaude lector, & hunc tibi rarum ac nouum thesaurum para, ac Vale...Basileae : Apud Io. Frobenivm, Mense Ivlio An. M. D. XXI. [1521].

• A copy is listed in the Bodleian online catalogue:
  Title: Opera, per B. Rhenanum è tenebris eruta, adiectis singulorum librorum argumetis & alicubi coniecturis.
  Publisher: Basil. 1521
  Description: Folio
• Copac lists the following copies: British Library C.190.C.11 (Physical Desc.: [28],615,[69]p (2o); 31cm) -- Newcastle (Physical Desc.:[28], 615, [69] p : ill ; 33 cm -- Notes: Imprint from colophon; Signatures: a6b8a-z, A-Z, Aa-Dd6Ee8Ff-Ii6Kk10) -- Wellcome Library (Physical Desc.: [14] leaves, 615 p., [34] l : t.p. & prelim. leaf with woodcut border, woodcut caps., & ornaments ; (fol.); Notes: Historiated woodcut initials; printed marginalia; Imprint from colophon; Numerous errors in paginations; Printer's device on p. [616] & on verso of last leaf; Signatures: a6, b8, a-z, A-Z, Aa-Dd6, Ee8, Gg-Ii6, Kk*10; Title within ornamental border by Ambrosius Holbein; lst leaf of dedication within border by Hans Franck; lst page of text within border by Hans Holbein the Younger) -- Durham (Title page, inscription of Thomas Peake, 17th century. Verso of final leaf, inscription "Liber N. Cartwriti ..." ?18th century // With some worm damage; slight damage to text. Some ms. annotations ?17th century // Binding: half goatskin, cloth sides, binder's stamp of J.W. Menzies, dated 1925) -- Aberdeen.
• Copy listed in the catalogue of Canterbury Cathedral library.
• From a dealer catalogue:
  Tertullian, Quintus Septimus Florens: Opera per Beatum Rhenanum (edita). ; Basel, Froben 1521, Fol. (28), 615, (69) S. mit 1 Holzschnitt-Titelbordüre von Ambr. Holbein und 2 Metallschnitt-Bordüren nach Hans Holbein d. J., von J. Faber geschnitten. Blindgepr. Lederband der Zeit über Holzdeckeln mit 2 Messingschließen und Stehkanten-Beschlägen - VD16 T559 - Adams T-405 - Holbein Ausst. Basel Nr. 124, 366-67, 352 Erste Ausgabe der sämtlichen Werke Tertullians. Mit den 2 schönen Bordüren von H. Holbein d. J. "Geschichte des Tantalus", "Cebestafel A" in Metallschnitt, große Initiale "S" sowie die Titelbrordüre von Ambr. Holbein, erstere und letztere im Basler Katalog abgebildet. In den Deckeln wenig sichtbare Wurmspuren, Fehlstellen im Bezug teilweise ergänzt, Rücken passend restauriert, vorderes Gelenk innen verstärkt. Schönes, breitrandiges Exemplar, einzelne Blatt am Schnitt wasserrandig. £ 2262.50 [May 2004, but unsold for at least a year then; still unsold in September 2005]
• From a dealer advert [May 2004]:
  Opera. Inter Latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi per Beatum Rhenanum. TERTULLIANUS, Quintus Septimius Florens. 
  Book Description: Folio. Mit breiter Titelholzschnittbordüre (Hofleben- Einfassung) von Ambrosius Holbein, 2 Metallschnitteinfassungen von Jacob Faber nach Hans Holbein d. J. (für Widmungsbrief auf Bl. A2 und die Cebestafel auf S. 1), grosser Druckermarke von Urs Graf, erstmals umrahmt von Metallschnittleisten Jacob Fabers (Heitz-Bernoulli 31), kleinerer Druckermarke auf Schlussblatt verso sowie mit einigen grossen und vielen kleineren figurativen Holzschnitt-Initialen. [14] Bl., 615, [1] S., [34] Bl. Schweinslederband d. Z. über 4 erhabenen Bünden, mit Rollen- und Plattenstempeln, zwei intakten Schliessen (untere Ecke des Vorder- und obere des Hinterdeckels beschädigt). Basel, Johann Froben, Juli 1521. Editio princeps der Werke Tertullians (150/160-230), der älteste und einer der bedeutendsten lateinischen Kirchenschriftsteller und Schöpfer der lateinischen Kirchensprache. Die auf Vorschlag von Erasmus von Beatus Rhenanus (1485-1547) besorgte Edition "gehört zu seinen bedeutendsten Herausgeber-Leistungen" (Frank Hieronymus). Der aus dem elsässischen Schlettstadt stammende Beatus Rhenanus (latinisiert für Beat Bild) hatte wiederholt in verschiedenen oberdeutschen Bibliotheken Manuskripte von bis dahin verschollen geglaubten Schriften aus dem Altertum bzw. Mittelalter aufgefunden. Da die Texte oft verderbt waren, erstellte er jeweils eine lesbare Version. Hier, wie in vergleichbaren anderen Editionen, hat Rhenanus nicht nur den Text wiederhergestellt, sondern auch im Dedikationsbrief und in einer "Admonitio ad lectorem" zugleich eine Einführung in die theologische Gedankenwelt von Tertullian gegeben. Zudem fügte er zahlreiche Kommentare hinzu. Dem heute recht selten gewordenen Druck von 1521 war ein grosser Erfolg beschieden, so dass Froben dieses Buch 1528 und 1539 erneut druckte. Als Buchschmuck verwendete Froben zwei neue Metallschnitte nach Hans Holbein d. J. als Texteinfassungen sowie als Titelbordüre die erstmals im Juni 1518 von Froben gedruckte "Hofleben-Einfassung" (Imago vitae aulicae), die zu den besten Holzschnitten von Ambrosius Holbein (1494-1519) gehört. Die beiden nach Hans Holbein d.J. von Jacob Faber geschnittenen Bordüren bestehen aus jeweils vier Leisten und illustrieren die Geschicht des Tantalus und zeigen die allegorische Darstellung des menschlichen Lebens nach den antiken Autor Cebes (sogenannte Cebestafel, hier in der Fassung A), in dem ein Gemälde allegorisch beschrieben wird. Die kleineren und grösseren Initialen mit biblischen und heidnischen Szenen entstammen u.a. einem Alphabet Hans Holbeins, das ab 1510 bei Froben erschienen war. - Wenige Bl. mit schmalem Wasserrand im Fusssteg, durchgehende Marginalien von zwei Händen sowie einer Widmung auf Bl. 615 (Johannes Bussmann) und auf Spiegel von Hermann Wiggering an Petrus Vincentio, datiert 1550. - Titel mit wenigen Wurmlöchern und kurzen Wurmgängen im Kopf- und Fusssteg (zwei alt hinterlegt). VD 16 T-559; Adams T-405; Hieronymus, Oberrhein. Buchillustr. II, 375-376; Butsch I, 48 und 52; Ebert 22563. Editio princeps of the works of Quintus Septimus Florens Tertullianus from Carthage, published as one of his chief works as editor and on Erasmus' suggestion by the Alsace born humanist Beatus Rhenanus (1485-1547). Rhenanus had access to two manuscripts, both now lost; the Paterniacensis (from Payerne in Switzerland) and the Hirsaugiensis (from Hirsau in Lower Germany). He mentions the Gorze and Fulda codices (both also lost), but says in the preface that he couldn't get hold of them. - Few leaves with narrow waterstain in lower margin, 16th century marginalia throughout. The book is adorned with the so- called "Court life border" (Imago vitae aulicae) by Ambrosius Holbein - first used by Froben in June 1518 - and two new metal c.
  Price: £ 1725.56 [May 2004] 
• From a dealer catalogue:
  The editio princeps edited by the famous humanist scholar Beatus Rhenanus from Sélestat. TERTULLIANUS, Quintus Septiuius Florens. Opera Q. Septimii Florentis Tertulliani inter Latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi, sine quorum lectione nullum diem intermittebat olim divus Cyprianus, per Beatum Rhenanum Seletstadiensem è tenebris eruta atque a situ pro virili vindicata, adiectis singulorum librorum argumentis & alicubi coniecturis, quibus vetustissimus autor nonnihil illustratur. Quorum catalogum proxima pagina reperies. Basel, Johannes Froben, July 1521. Folio. Contemporary blind tooled pigskin over wooden boards with several floral rolls around a centrepiece consisting of 4 rolls next to each other, ribbed spine with title written in ink, both original clasps and catches still present. The printed text of the title within a magnificent allegorical woodcut frame of 240x175mm.; the beginning of the dedication and the beginning of the text of the first work in woodcut border consisting of 4 different allegorical woodcut blocks; many very nice woodcut initials. Johannes Froben's printer's device on p. 616 (in woodcut border of 4 blocks) and on the verso of the last leaf. (28), 616, (68) pp. 
  
  Very important editio princeps of the collected works of the famous 'Doctor of the Church' Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus (ca. 160 - 240 AD), edited by the well-known humanist and friend of Erasmus, Beatus Rhenanus (1485-1547). Apart from some editions of the Apologeticus adversus gentes (the first ed. in 1483), this is the first time that the works of Tertullian were printed and came available to the scholarly world. A second edition of Tertulian's Opera was published by Froben in 1528 and 1539. [...]
  
  After his return from Paris where he studied and worked from 1503 till 1507, Beatus Rhenanus led the life of an independent scholar. For the first 20 years Basel was the centre of his activities, while from 1527 till his death in 1547 he lived in his native Sélestat. Among the printing firms of Basel - Froben in the first place - Beatus quickly secured a privileged position, especially after the arrival of Erasmus in Basel in 1514. Soon a relationship developed between them that was bound to intensify Beatus' contacts with the press of Johann Froben. Until 1519 Beatus appears even to have lived in Froben's house. It was also on Erasmus' suggestion that he edited Tertullianus (the present work), as his last major contribution to Patristic studies.
  
  Contents:
  p. (1)r: Title.
  p. (2): Contents.
  p. (3)-(9): Dedicatory letter by Beatus Rhenanus to bishop Stanislaus Turzus of Olmutz, dated Basel, 1 July 1521.
  p. (10)-(11): Vita of Tertullianus by Beatus Rhenanus.
  p. (12)-(28): Admonitio ad lectorem de quibusdam Tertulliani dogmatis.
  p. 1-12: De patientia. This is one of the most spiritual of Tertullian's compositions. It is a sermon preached to himself. His experience as a priest has taught him the need of patience every time he confronted pettiness not less than pride, frivolity not less than idolatry. 
  p. 13-33: De carne Christi. Tertullian's principal contribution to the Christological problem of the time: Was the flesh of Christ born of the Virgin and human in its nature?
  p. 34-84: De resurrectione carnis. Tertullian wrote this treatise in fulfillment of the intention expressed in the De carne Christi, against those who allowed that the soul would rise again, but refused resurrection to the flesh on account of its worthlessness
  p. 85-105: De praescriptionibus Haereticorum. This treatise originated in the desire to emphasize the doctrinal stability of the African Church in the face of some fresh tendency towards Gnosticism in general and the views of Marcion especially.
  p. 106-112: Adversus omneis haereses, seu potius de haeresibus.
  p. 113-141: Adversus Judaeos.This treatise was occasioned by a dispute between a Christian and a heathen converted, not to Christianity but to Judaism. Practically, the question between them was the exclusion or not of gentiles from the promises of God.
  p. 142-336: Adversus Marcionem. Lib. I-V. Tertullian wants to find the true church among the Montanists. To him 'the new prophecy' was now the highest authority, the Paraclete the sole guide unto all truth. 
  p. 337-360: Adversus Hermogenes. This treatise against the heretical teacher contains two beautiful passages: the eulogy of wisdom and the description of the development of cosmical order out of chaos.
  p. 361-377: Adversus Valentinianos. It is not so much a refutation as a satire, claiming no originality but being a faithful reflection of the teaching of Justin, Miltiades, Irenaeus and Proculus.
  p. 377-407: Adversus Praxean. In opposition to Praxeas, Tertullian was the first who, in the controversy against the Monarchians, introduced prominently the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
  p. 408-426: De corona militis. Usually counted the first treatise which indicates traces of Montanism. Opinions were divided as to the soldier's conduct. Some blamed him as rash, as eager to die, etc., some as bringing trouble on the Christian name about a mere matter of dress. Tertullian turns furiously upon his decriers.
  p. 427-431: Ad martyres. One of his important apologetic works, depicting man and women in prison, visited and relieved by the brethren, exhorted to unity, and prepared by fasting and prayer for the death which should be a victory for the church.
  p. 432-444: De poenitentia.Repentance of sin before baptism, and true repentance had its limit in the fear of God. The aim of repentance was the salvation of man through the abolition of sin. 
  p. 445-458: De virginibus velandis. The veiling of virgins was a burning question among Christians at Carthage. Tertullian approved the practice to go everywhere veiled, in the streets as well in the churches.
  p. 458-463: De habitu muliebri.
  p. 464-472: De cultu foeminarum.Tertullian saw the luxury and extravagance of the women of the time and this work is among the efforts to recall Christian women to the Christian way of life.
  p. 472-484: Ad uxorem suam. Lib. I-II. In this treatise addressed to his wife which he hoped might be profitable to her and to other women 'belonging to God', Tertullian argues strongly against second marriages.
  p. 484-497: De fuga in persecutione. May Christians flee from persecution or not? A few years before Tertullian had conceded that flight was 'better', but now he thought differently. Montanistic severity has laid its spell upon him. The work deals with the two modes by which the timid and doubtful sought to evade persecution: flight and
  bribery.
  P. 497-501: Ad Scapulam. Against the African proconsul Scapula who authorized the persecution of Christians to which this work refers. Scapula was a fierce opponent of the Christians, and permitted his fanaticism to override his sense of justice.
  p. 502-507: De exhortatione castiditatis. Urging upon men to avoid a second marriage.Tertullian did so in language declaratory of views far more exaggerated than he did for women in his Ad uxorem.
  p. 507-527: De monogamia. The treatise in which Tertullian is the most bitter on the subject of marriage. He claims for his part and for his party alone that they were guided by the Parclete. From Him they had received their teaching on monogamy.
  p. 528-537: De pallio. This treatise, intentionally extravagant, is a vindication of the philosopher's mantle (pallium) ridiculed by the people of Carthage. It might be called a juridical plea, couched in witty and forensic language.
  p. 538-588: Apologeticus adversus gentes. This Apology - the greatest of his works - is a cry for bare justice, addressed to the rulers and magistrates of Carthage.
  p. 589-614: Beatus Rhenanus, Definitiones ecclesiasticorum dogmatum.
  p. 615: Errata.
  p. 616: Froben's printer's device.
  p. (1)-(67): Index, composed by Conrad Pellicanus.
  p. (68): Froben's printer's device.
  Good copy.- (Binding rubbed; some wormholes mainly in the outer margins of the last part; erased ownership's entry on title). VD16, T559; Adams T405; Contemporaries of Erasmus I, p. 104-9.
  Bookseller: Antiquariaat FORUM BV (t'Goy-Houten, UT, Netherlands). Bookseller Inventory # 64SH4E5NT60T
  Price:  €3,500.00 [July 2004; still for sale July 2006]
• From a dealer catalogue:
  Tertullianus, Quintus Septimius Florens: Opera inter latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi, sine quorum lectione nullum diem intermittebat olim diuus Cyprianus, per Beatum Rhenanum ... Book Description: Basel, Johann Froben, 1521., 1521. Folio. 14 n.n. Bl., 615 S., 1 n.n. S., 34 n.n. Bl. Index. Mit Holzschnitttitel von Ambrosius Holbein und 2 Metallschnitteinfassungen nach Hans Holbein von Jakob Faber sowie 2 Holzschnittdruckermarken und Holzschnittinitialen nach Hans Holbein. Schweinslederband der Zeit über Holzdeckeln mit Roll- und Plattenstempelverzierungen. VD16 T 559. - Adams T 405. - Erste Ausgabe von Beatus Rhenanus (1485-1547) besorgt. Auf Grund von Abschriften der Werke von Tertullian (ca. 150-230 n.Chr.) in verschiedenen deutschen Bibliotheken zusammengestellt. Rhenanus verglich bei seiner Arbeit mehrere Exemplare, um daraus einen lesbaren Text zu schaffen. Von den von ihm verwendeten Abschriften hat sich keine erhalten. Rhenanus stellte dem Werk eine Biographie vor und kommentierte es. Der Index wurde von Konrad Pelikan zusammengestellt. - Exemplar mit handschriftlichem Besitzervermerk "L. Burckhardt" auf dem Innendeckel. Stellenweise mit zeitgenössischen Annotationen und Unterstreichungen. Etwas gebräunt. Stellenweise mit Wurmlöchern. Einbandschliessen ausgerissen. Mit kleiner Fehlstelle im Deckelbezug am unteren Kapital. Einbanddeckel fleckig. Bookseller Inventory # 30474DB. Bookseller: EOS Buchantiquariat Benz. (Zurich)
  Price: £ 1380.33 [July 2006]
• From a dealer catalogue:
  Book Description: Johann Froben, Basel, 1521., 1521. Schweinslederband der Zeit über Holzdeckeln mit Roll- und Plattenstempelverzierungen. 4 n.n. Bl., 615 S., 1 n.n. S., 34 n.n. Bl. Index. Mit Holzschnitttitel von Ambrosius Holbein und 2 Metallschnitteinfassungen nach Hans Holbein von Jakob Faber sowie 2 Holzschnittdruckermarken und Holzschnittinitialen nach Hans Holbein. Folio. VD16 T 559. - Adams T 405. - Erste Ausgabe von Beatus Rhenanus (1485-1547) besorgt. Auf Grund von Abschriften der Werke von Tertullian (ca. 150-230 n.Chr.) in verschiedenen deutschen Bibliotheken zusammengestellt. Rhenanus verglich bei seiner Arbeit mehrere Exemplare, um daraus einen lesbaren Text zu schaffen. Von den von ihm verwendeten Abschriften hat sich keine erhalten. Rhenanus stellte dem Werk eine Biographie vor und kommentierte es. Der Index wurde von Konrad Pelikan zusammengestellt. - Exemplar mit handschriftlichem Besitzervermerk "L. Burckhardt" auf dem Innendeckel. Stellenweise mit zeitgenössischen Annotationen und Unterstreichungen. Etwas gebräunt. Stellenweise mit Wurmlöchern. Einbandschliessen ausgerissen. Mit kleiner Fehlstelle im Deckelbezug am unteren Kapital. Einbanddeckel fleckig. Bookseller Inventory # 30474. Bookseller: Daniel Thierstein. (Bern)
  Price: £ 1466.88 [July 2006]

1521 : Venice. Q. Septimi Florentis Tertulliani Apologeticus adversus gentes.  Not in Migne.  Not checked.

• Copac lists an "Q. Septimii Florentis Tertulliani Apologeticus aduersus gentes." at the British Library. Classmark: 1602/18.  
• A copy is listed at Birmingham (Details from Copac):
  Title Details: Q. Septimi Florentis Tertulliani Apologeticus adversus gentes
  Publisher: [Venetiis : arte & diligentia Ioannis de Tridino cognomente Tacuini, 1521]
  Physical Desc.: 32cm
  Classmark: q 15.T47.

1525 : Basle, reprint of 1521 edition, by Froben.  PL1 38A. Not checked  [Does this really exist?]

1525 : TACUINUS : Lactantius, Apologeticum. Folio. Paris, 1525. (This seems like another incunable reprint). Not checked

• Not in Migne.
• A copy is listed in the Bodleian online catalogue:
  Title: [Fleuron] Diuina opera [Fleuron] L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani, Diuinarum institutionum libri vii [&c.]. Q. Septimii Flore. Tertul. Apologeticus aduersus getes. Item Sermo de vita æterna [&c. Ed. by J. Tacuinus].
  Publisher: Paris, 1525
  Description: Folio
• Two copies are listed in the British Library (Details from Copac): Q. Septimii Flore. Tertul. Apologeticus aduersus getes. -- ff. xxviii. -- Classmark: 1602/419 and 1572/122. Diuina opera L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani ... Q. Septimii Flore. Tertul. Apologeticus aduersus getes, etc. Parisijs : Apud Ioannem Paruum, 1525. 2 pt. fol.
• Also an issue listed by Bryce :
  1525 : Paris : Divina Opera L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani. [ed. Johannes Aulus PARRHASIUS?] Jehan Petit. [+] DI, ID, OD, acEDI, AP, RD, TA, TS.

1528 : RHENANUS : 2nd Edition : Adams T406 (CUL, Queens(bdg), St.Johns(Reynes bdg)). Basle, reprint of 1521 edition, printed by Froben. (According to Migne, the British Museum catalogue, vol II, erroneously records a copy of this as having notes by Junius). This edition has two additional prefaces placed between the table of contents (identical in appearance, etc, to that in the 1521 edition) and the preface to the 1521 edition. Rhenanus also added at the front some hasty notes of some length on the first treatise, De patientia, and more briefly on some other treatises.  The first seven treatises then have no additional material, except that De resurrectione carnis had two explicationes (the first was omitted from the 1539 edition, the second abridged) and De praescriptione was followed by 11 text-critical notes; for the others, Rhenanus inserted some annotationes.  There are some 31 annotationes in all, occupying 4 pages. Marginal notes are expanded on those in the 1521 edition with historical material, sometimes repeated in the annotationes. However Rhenanus would have preferred to continue to place conjectures in the margin, but says he had not enough space (p.556) (Maluissemus nostras coniecturas in marginibus chartarum apponere, sed cum longiuscule essent, non est uisa sufficere exiguitas spatii breuioris). 

Not based on any new manuscript witness; the Ad lectorem tells us he hoped to obtain a manuscript from Gorze (see 1539), and an otherwise unknown one from Treves containing De spectaculis, which he supposed to be in two books, but these he could not obtain (Exspectabam avide ex Mediomatricis Gorziensem codicem et a Treviris Spectaculorum libros, sed frustra).  The edition was undertaken, according to the preface, at the demand of readers: Interim propter aemulos secundam aeditionem parare compulsus est Frobenius, studiosis ubique gentium Tertullianum flagitantibus.  The treatises are published in the same order as in 1521.  PL1 38A & n.1. Checked. Online: Title page (fol. 1r).   692 pages.  Other copies listed but not checked at; British Library; Oxford Colleges: New College.

• Thomas Cranmer's copy.  Present whereabouts unknown, but described as follows in the 1967 Catalog 949 by New York dealers Stechert-Hafner, Inc., p.32: (photocopy of both pages below sent to me by Pierre Petitmengin) 

  Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury's Copy.

  967 -----, Opera Q. Septimii Florentis Tertulliani . . . Latin, with side-notes in Italic type (stain affecting extreme edge of top margin); 4to, old calf, with ties, sides panelled in gilt & blind, gilt Royal Arms in center (worn, rebacked, backstrip defective). Basle, Frobenius, 1528.                                           $1,100.00

  The title page, which carries the British Museum stamp worded "'Duplicate for Sale, 1769", is signed at the head by Archbishop Cranmer, and at the foot by [John, Lord] Lumley.

  Marginalia.

  There are a number of marginal annotations in ink (a few letters have been shaved by the binder), which we find by careful comparison with authentic documents in the Record Office, London, [In particular with a long holograph letter by Cranmer to Henry VIII in 1541, reporting on visits he has paid to the Queen (Catherine Howard)] to be undoubtedly in the handwriting of Cranmer himself. He has also underscored many passages in the text, a number of them being the subject of the marginalia. The text is otherwise entirely clean and sound, except for slight marginal worming at the end.

  Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556)

  is remembered in particular as Archbishop of Canterbury during the Reign of Henry VIII and for the part he played in the revision of the Second Prayer Book of Edward VI (1552). He promulgated the 42 Articles of Religion (later reduced to 39) in 1552; was committed to the Tower of London for sedition, 1553; was cited to appear before the Pope in 1555, but refused to recognize Papal jurisdiction; and was condemned for heresy, degraded and burned at the stake in 1556.

  Provenance

  John, Lord Lumley (1534-1609) owned a large library and every volume (as this copy of Tertullian) bears his signature on the title page. He inherited the library of his father - Henry Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel (1511-15S0), which contained many books from the library of Thomas Cranmer. On Lumley's death his library was bought by James I, and eventually passed into the old Royal Library, which George II gave to the British Museum.

  THIS IS THEREFORE AN ASSOCIATION COPY OF GREAT RARITY AND UNQUESTIONABLE PROVENANCE.
  

  
  The same volume is also described by David G. Selwyn, The library of Thomas Cranmer, Oxford: The Oxford Bibliographical Society (1996), p.76:

  284. Tertullian, Quintus Septimius Florens. Opera. Ed. B. Rhenanus. Basle: in officina Frobeniana, 1528 (Mar.). Fol. BMGB853 Adams T406.
  n.l. {not listed at the British Library}

  ?L867 TC (possibly also L copy) Formerly at Ince Blundell School, Hightown, Nr. Liverpool (Burbidge in CLRC 2, p. 350), but not traced since subsequent dispersal of the books from that school and from Ince Blundell Hall.  Some of the Ince books were bought by a Southport bookseller in the 1960s, but it is not known whether this was among them or disposed of earlier.  Some Ince books were sold at Christie's in 1970, but this was not among them.  [Not seen.  No information about provenance history, binding or MS notes.]  TC also had the 1545 Basle ed. and possibly other eds.  See Appendix D, §66.1.

• From Niagara University, USA
  AUTHOR: Tertullian, ca. 160-ca. 230. Rhenanus, Beatus, 1485-1547. TITLE: Opera Q. Septimii Florentis Tertvlliani: inter Latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi, sine quoru lectione nullum diem intermittebat olim diuus Cyprianus PUBLISHER: Basileae: [In officina Frobeniana], DATE: 1528 
  
• Aberdeen (Details from Copac): 
  Opera Q. Septimii Florentis Tertulliani inter Latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi, sine quorum lectione nullum diem intermittebat olim diuus Cyprianus, per Beatum Rhenanum Seletstadiensem e tenebris eruta atque a situ pro virili vindicata, adiectis singulorum librorum argumentis, & nullibi non coniecturis, ac nuper annotationibus fusioribus superadditis, quibus vetustissimus autor non solum emendatur, sed & illustratur atque exponitur. Quorum catalogum proxima pagina reperies ...
  Basileae : Froben, 1528
  
• Durham  (Details from Copac): 
  Opera Q. Septimii Florentis Tertullini inter Latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi, sine quoru[m] lectione nullum diem intermittebat olim diuus Cyprianus, per Beatum Rhenanum Seletstadiensem e tenebris eruta atq[ue] a situ pro uirili uindicata, adiectis singuloru[m] librorum argumentis, & nullibi non coniecturis, ac nuper annotationibus fusioribus superadditis, quibus uetustissimus autor no[n] solu[m] emendatur, sed & illustratur atq[ue] exponitur. Quorum catalogum proxima pagina reperies ...
  Publisher: Basileae : [in officina Frobeniana], 1528
  Physical Desc.: [20], 692, [24] p. (2o)
  Notes: Reprint of the 1521 Basel edition with the addition of two letters of Rhenaus dated 1521 and 1528, and the Vita of Tertullian. In place of the Definitiones acclesiasticorum dogmatum of Gennadius, this edition has the anonymous Amonitio ad lectorem de qvidvsdam Tertvlliani dogmatis, later attributed to Rhenanus (p. 680-92)
  Binding: quarter vellum over wooden boards. Vellum with blind tools, spine painted grey, clasps (clasp on front board), ?German, 16th century
  
• British Library (Details from Copac): pp. 692. ; fol.
  
• From a dealer catalogue:
  TERTULLIEN (Quintus Septimius Florens) Opera Q. Septimii Florentis Tertulliani inter latinos ecclesiae scriptores primi, sine quoru lectione nullum diem intermittebat olim divus Cyprianus, per Beatum Rhenanum Selestadiensem è tenebris eruta atq. à situ pro virili vindicata, adiectis singuloru librorum argumentis, & nullibi non conjecturiis, ac nuper annotationibus superioribus superadditis, quibus vetustissimus autor no solu emendatur, sed & illustratur atq. exponitur. Bâle, Froben, 1528. 
  
  1 vol. in-folio, vélin, dos orné de filets à l'encre noire. Reliure du XIXe s. Belles lettrines historiées, (10) ff., 692 pp., (11) ff. Signatures : AA6 BB4 [a-z]6 [A-Z]6 [Aa-Ll]6 Mm4 [a-b]6 Nombreuses annotations manuscrites dans les marges, Manque le dernier f. blanc. Large mouillure ancienne dans la partie inférieure du volume (sans gravité) 
  
  8,500.00 FF. 1,295.82 Euros 
  
  Seconde édition, rare et recherchée, du Tertullien de Beatus Rhenanus. L'humaniste de Sélestat avait donné l'édition princeps des oeuvres de Tertullien quelques années plus tôt (1521), grâce à deux manuscrits (l'un provenant de l'abbaye de Payerne, l'autre du monastère de Hirsau) qu'il avait découverts lors de ses pérégrinations. Le livre eut beaucoup de succès et B. Rhenanus dut entreprendre une autre édition (celle-ci), comportant de nombreuses corrections.
  
  Beatus Rhenanus (Sélestat, 1485-1547) fut l'un des plus grands humanistes de son temps. Lié avec la plupart des savants contemporains (Lefèvre d'Etaples, S. Brant, Peutinger, Zwingle, S. Münster), et ami d'Erasme, il corrigea et édita les oeuvres de ce dernier. Sa bibliothèque personnelle entière est conservée de nos jours dans sa ville natale.
  Adams, T406 ; Graesse VII, 69. 
  

1529 : German translation of Ad Martyras and Ad Scapulam.  Not in Migne.  Not checked.

• British Library (Details from Copac): "Das buch Quinti Septimii Florentis Tertulliani an die martyrer. Das buch Tertulliani an Scapulam  Stetpfleger der statt Carthago". Classmark: 4520.e.4.
• From a dealer catalogue:
  Tertullianus / Justini / Cyprianus / Traiani.- Außzug etlicher fürnemmern buecher/Capiteln/und sendbrieff Quina Septiniinflorentis Tertulliani/Justini/Cypriani-plinij/und des Roemischen keisers Traiani/von dem Handel der Christen/: wie das nachfolgend platt anzeigt. Das drit teil: Das buch Quinti Septinii Florentis Tertulliani/an die martyrer. Das buch Tertulliani an Scapulam Stretpfleger der statt Carthago. Die fürnempfsten Capitel des buchs Tertulliani/ Apologeticus gnant/das ist ein verantwortung für die Christen an die Heyden. Das buch Justini des philosophi un martyrs/ an die Heyden/vom waren Gots dienst. Das buch Cecilii Cypriani/an den Demetrianum/das es dorumb übel in der welt zügat/die weil falscher Gots dienst ist/und nit umb der Christen oder des Evangelii willen. Die Epistlen plinii Secundi/und Traiani des keisers/vom handel der Christen. Straßburg, o. Druckvermerk, Anno M.D.XXIX (1529). 4°, priv., späterer, marmor. Pb., (1) Bl. CCLXXII - CCCXIIII (Bl. 272 - 314 = 42 Bl. bzw. 84 S.), durchgehend schwach wasserrandig, insges. dennoch gutes Ex. - Bestellnr. <730240>  Diese Sammlung von Texten ist 'Dem Ernnesten / Edlen Hartmudt von Cronberg / seinem lieben Junckern und Gevattern Caspar Hedio' gewidmet. v. Cronberg, geb. 1488, war Reformationsförderer. Caspar Hedio (Heyd), geb. 1494 im badischen Ettlingen, gest. 1552 in Straßburg und enthält Schriften gegen das Heidentum v. 1. 
  Price: EUR 275.00.  [Was £191.56, May 2004]

1535 : MANUZIO : Octavo, Venice. Reprint of Aldine Lactantius / Apologeticum, Venice. Adams L22 (Trinity) ff.328, 47. Not Checked

• Not listed in Migne.
• Three copies listed in the Bodleian online catalogue:
  Title: L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani diuinarum institutionum libri septem proxime castigate, et aucti [&c. Followed by] Q. Septimii Florentis Tertulliani Apologeticus aduersus gentes.
  Publisher: Ven. 1535 Description: 8°
• Oxford: Magdalen college (from Copac): 
  -- Title: L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani Diuinarum institutionum libri septem / proxime castigati et aucti ; Eiusdem De ira Dei liber I. De opificio Dei liber I. Epitome in libros suos, liber acephalos. Phoenix. Carmen de dominica Resurrectione ; Item index in eundem rerum omnium, Tertulliani Liber apologeticus cum indice. 
  -- Publisher: Venetiis : In aedibus haeredum Aldi, et Andreae soceri, mense Martio, M.D.XXXV 
  -- Physical Desc.: [12], 328, [12], 47, [45] leaves ; 8o
  -- Notes: Place and printer from colophon.
• Manchester (from Copac): 
  -- Title: L. C. Lactantii Firmiani divinarum institutionum libri septem : De ira Dei, liber I. De opificio Dei, liber I. Epitome in libros suos liber acephalos. Phoenix. Carmen de dominica resurrectione. (Interpretatio dictionum Graecarum, quae in Lactantio reperiuntur ... recensente ... M. Musuro.) - (Tertullianus)
  -- Physical Desc.: 8o.
• Aberdeen  (from Copac)
• British Library (from Copac):
  -- Title: L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani Divinarum Institutionum libri septem proxime castigati, et aucti. Ejusdem De ira Dei liber I. De opificio Dei, Liber I. Epitome in libros suos, ... Phoenix. Carmen de Dominica Resurrectione. Item Index ... Tertulliani liber apologeticus cum indice. [Edited by J. B. Egnatius.]
  -- Publisher: Venetiis : In ædibus hæredum Aldi, et Andreæ soceri, 1535.
  -- Physical Desc.: 2 pt. ; 8o.
  -- Notes: Grolier binding, with the inscription and motto; with the autograph of J. Grolier on the last page.  [I presume this refers to C.19.b.19 - RPearse]
  -- Classmark (4 copies): C.19.b.19. // C.16.f.9. // 1412.c.2. // G.8918.
• From the Montpellier library catalogue:
  Author : Lactance
  Title : L.C. Lactantii Firmiani Divinarum Institutionum libri septem... / Lactance ; Quintus Septimus Florens Tertullianus Tertullien 
  Publisher : [Venetiis] : [s.n.] (1535[mars]) 
  Description : 2e partie ; 8° 
  Notes : V1835. Rel. maroquin vert à l'ancre aldine. 
• Also listed by Bryce :
  1535 Venezia 8° L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani [Opera], ed. Paulo MANUZIO & Onorato FASCITELLI, bishop of Isolo. In ædibus Hæredum Aldi, et Andreæ soceri. [+] DI, ID, OD, acEDI, AP, RD, PD, TA (in Giovanni Baptista EGNAZIO’s edition)
• From a dealer catalogue [May 2004]:
  Lactantius, Lucius Caecilius Firmianus - Nikolaus Müller (B.): Divinarvm Institvtionvm libri septem proxime castigati, et aucti. Eivsdem De ira Dei Liber I. De opificio Dei Liber I. Epitome in libros suos, liber acephalos. Phoenix. Carmen de dominica resurrectione. Item Index in eundem rerum omnium. Tertvllinani liber apologeticus cum indice. Venedig: Paulus Manutius, 1535. 8vo. 162 x 98 mm. [12], [4]; 328, [12]; 48; [44] Bll. (incl. Index) = aa8, bb4, *4; a-z8, A-T8, V4; X-Z8, AA-CC8; DD12, EE-HH8 (foll. VV3+4 & CC8 weiß). Mit Holzschnittdruckermarke Fletcher Nr. 9 auf Titel und am Schluß. Blindgeprägtes Schweinsleder der Zeit auf vier Doppelbünden und Holzdeckeln, zwei Schließen, deren bewegliche Teile fachmännisch wie stilgerecht ergänzt. Auf dem Vorderdeckel außen eine signierte Rolle mit Salvator "Data est mi|hi omnia" - David "De frvctv | ventris" - Paulus "Apparvit be|nignitas" - Johannes N M "Ecce agnv | Dei qvi tol" (199 x 15 mm, Haebler I,299,2); mittig eine Platte mit Kruzifix "Et sicvt Moses exaltavi | serpentem in deserto" (78 x 42 mm, datiert unten mittig auf dem Stein 1556, wohl identisch mit Haebler II,32,II). darüber oben "Vnivers", unten "Witt 1561". Auf dem Hinterdeckel Auferstehung "Abolita victor rediviv | morte trivmphat part" (76 x 41 mm, wohl identisch mit Haebler II,32,III) - "Nikolaus Müller gehört zu den bedeutendsten Buchbindern Wittenbergs im ausgehenden Jahrhundert." Haebler I, S. 301. Er arbeitete u.a. für den Kurfürsten August von Sachsen. Das Exemplar der Universität zu Wittenberg, die 1502 begründet wurde; zwischen den Jahren 1512 und 1547 war die Schloßbibliothek für sie zuständig. "Avec une preface de P. Manuce pour Lactance, et une de G.B. Egnatio pour Tertullien. Tres bonne edition, bien superieure a celle de 1515 ..." (Renouard). "Neue Recension von Honoratus Fasitelius aus Manuscripten, alten Ausgaben und bisweilen aus (sehr umsichtiger) Conjectur. Die Capitelabtheilungen sind hier wieder weggelassen" (Ebert). "Diese Verbesserung [dieser Ausgabe im Vergleich zur vorigen von 1515] ist aus Handschriften des Klosters Monto Casino geschehen" (Hamberger II, S. 683). Mit einigen Textpassagen in der vierten griechischen Type, die auf fol. T3r bis V2v. wiederholt und mit lateinischer Übersetzung von Marcus Musurus versehen sind. Fascitellus  (1502-1564) war Benediktiner-Mönch in Monte Cassino; 1551 wurde er von Julius II. zum Bischof von Isola in Calabrien gemacht, er war Teilnehmer am Tridentinischen Konzil. Seine Laktanz-Ausgabe diente mehreren späteren als Vorlage. Zum Kolophon siehe Fletcher S. 76. Der Rhetoriklehrer Laktanz (ca. 250 - wohl 325), wohl ein Schüler des Arnobius und von Diokletian nach Nikomedia in Bithynien berufen, legte 303 zu Beginn der diokletianischen Christenverfolgung dies Lehramt nieder und wurde Apologet. Um 315 wurde er von Konstantin als Lehrer des Crispus nach Gallien (Trier?) berufen. Als Theologe ist Laktanz rückständig, Anhänger chiliastischer Eschatologie, Vertreter eines dualistischen Welt- und Menschenbildes, dessen Gottesbegriff von der römischen Vorstellung eines 'pater familias' und 'imperator' geprägt ist. Er ist kein Anhänger der Trinitätslehre: eine vom Gottessohn getrennte dritte Person des Heiligen Geistes ist ihm unbekannt; er kombiniert jedoch christliches Gedankengut mit platonistisch-gnostischen Einflüssen und zitiert als erster römischer Christ ausgiebig die pagane Literatur, was er theoretisch in Div. inst. V,1-4 begründet. Sein Anspruch ist literarisch, er möchte die heidnischen Gegner auf ihrem Niveau erreichen. Als Ciceronianer benutzt er, sowohl polemisch wie aneignend, häufig Vergil, Lukrez, Seneca u.a. - daneben den "Asclepius", wodurch uns einige von dessen Textpassagen im griechischen Original überliefert sind, und auch 'Offenbarungsliteratur' wie z.B. die Sibyllen. Das Neue Testament spielt unter seinen Zitaten eine nur untergeordnete Rolle; die klassische griechische Literatur kennt er wohl bloß mittelbar. Die Dichter werden von ihm nicht, wie durch die früheren Christen, abgelehnt, sondern er rechtfertigt z.B. die Allegorie in Div. inst. I,5,1 & IV,5,4 als 'officium poetae'. Von der Kirche als Häretiker eingestuft, entfaltet er erst in der Renaissance als 'Cicero Christianus' seine Wirkung. Das berühmte Kapitel über den Wein "Quod Noe fuit inventor vini" (II,13) hier auf fol. 68 sq., vgl. Simon: Bacchica, Nr. 389: "Mais le passage le plus savoureux est celui du chapitre XXII du Livre I, "De falsa religione", celui ou l'auteur commente le droit que le mari avait, a Rome, d'interdire le vin a son epouse." Einband leicht fleckig, stellenweise leicht berieben. Verfassername von zeitgenössischer Hand auf den Vorderschnitt kalligraphiert. Besitzerstempel auf vorderem fliegenden Vorsatz recto oben. Innen vereinzelt im weißen Rand minimal stockfleckig, circa vier Seiten etwas fleckig, wenige saubere Unterstreichungen einer alten Hand; Lage FF wie üblich papierbedingt leicht gebräunt. Ein schönes, frisches Exemplar in zeitgenössischem Wittenberger Meistereinband. - - - Contemporary German blindstamped pigskin over wooden boards, four raised double-bands, two clasps, catches renewed, bound by Nikolaus Müller of Wittenberg. Binding slightly rubbed. As usual, quire FF lightly browned due to quality of paper. From the library of the University of Wittenberg. - The Opera of the Christian apologist Lactantius (?250-?325), the Christian Cicero, who propagandized in Africa and Italy. He was a pupil of Arnobius and native of the province Africa. He received an appointment as professor of rhetoric from Diocletian, and spent part of his life at Nicomedia in Bithynia, and when old he was appointed by Constantine to educate the Prince Crispus in Gaul. His works include 'De opificio Dei', which contains a description of the body and soul of man, and is a sort of supplement to the fourth book of Cicero's 'De re publica'; 'The Divine Institutes', greatest of all his works, which was written against two opponents of Christianity and is a comprehensive survey of the arguments then available in favour of the new religion; 'De ira dei', an able discussion of the problem with which it deals, correcting the false conclusions of the chief philosophical schools. 'De ave Phoenix' is a medley of heathen and Christian elements, and generally believed genuine. Included is the Liber apologeticus of Tertullian. The edition is based upon manuscripts found in the Monastic Library of Monte Cassino. With prefaces of Paulus Manutius and his friend, the humanist, Ioannes Baptist Egnatius. - A very fine copy. Renouard 113,2 - Adams L22 - BM STC 366 - Hamberger II,682 - Ebert 11603 - Brunet III,736. Price: EUR 7370.00 [May 2004]
• From a dealer catalogue:
  Lactantius Firmianus, Lucius Coelius & Quintus Septimus FlorensTertullianus. Franciscus Asulanus, ed. Divinarum Institutionum Libri Septem Proxime Castigi, Et Aucti. Eiusdem: De ira Dei...De opificio Dei...Epitome in libros suos...phoenix. Carmen de dominica resurrectione. Item Index...Tertulliani liber apologeticus cum indice. Book Description: Venice: 8vo.150 x 98mm. Heirs of Aldus and Andreas Torresano. 1535. aa8,bb4,a-z,A-T8,V4,X-Z,AA-CC8, DD12, [conjugate leaves DD 5-8 bound out-of-order in gathering HH] EE-HH8, *4 [usually found at the front]. [24],328ff=656,[20],[4 blank],47ff=94,[2 blank],[88],[8]pp. 18th c. Italian vellum, gilt spine, a few small worm holes in spine, edges red, marbled paste-downs,old owner's name removed from t.p., small hole in t.p., a few old stains, some leaves browned [gathering FF as usual], some occ. marginalia, but the rest in fine clean condition. Aldine anchor device on t.p. and recto of HH8.(A72 - Z36). Lactantius (fl. 320) an eminent father of the church, was, as some say, the most eloquent of all ecclesiastical Latin authors. He formed himself upon Cicero, and wrote in such a pure, smooth, and natural style, and so much in the taste and manner of the Roman Orator, that he is generally distinguished as 'the Christian Cicero.' "He well merits the designation of the "Christian Cicero" bestowed on him by the humanists, for he exhibits many of the shortcomings as well as the graces of his master. Among the works of his pen extant, the earliest is the "De Opificio Dei", written in 303 or 304 during the Diocletian persecution, and dedicated to a former pupil, a rich Christian named Demetrianius. The apologetic principles underlying all the works of Lactantius are well set forth in this treatise, which may be considered as an introduction to his great work "The Divine Institutions" (Divinarum Institutionum Libri VII), written between 303 and 311. This the most important of all the writings of Lactantius is systematic as well as apologetic and was intended to point out the futility of pagan beliefs and to establish the reasonableness and truth of Christianity. It was the first attempt at a systematic exposition of Christian theology in Latin, and though aimed at certain pamphleteers who were aiding the persecutors by literary assaults on the Church, the work was planned on a scale sufficiently broad enough to silence all opponents. The strengths and the weakness of Lactantius are nowhere better shown than in his work. The beauty of the style, the choice and aptness of the terminology, cannot hide the author's lack of grasp on Christian principles and his almost utter ignorance of Scripture. The "dualistic and panegyrical" passages, which have been such a puzzle to students of Lactantius, are manifestly not from his pen, but from that of someone who lived close to his time, probably a rhetorician of Trier. The "Epitome Divinarium Institutionum", made by Lactantius himself at the request of a friend named Pentadius, is much more than a mere abbreviation, rather a more summary treatment of the subject dealt with in the older work. Another treatise, "De Ira Dei", directed against the Stoics and Epicureans, is supplementary to the "Divine Institutions" (II,xvii,5) and deals with anthropomorphism in its true sense. Knowing the bent of Lactantius's mind it is not surprising that the only historical work we have from his pen, "De Mortibus Persecutorum", should have an apologetic character. In this work, we have an account of the frightful deaths of the principal persecutors of the Christians, Nero, Dormitian, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, and the contemporaries of Lactantius himself, Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Maximus. This work, not withstanding the manifest bias of the author, is of prime importance as a source of the last and greatest of the persecutions, though, somewhat strangely, the style is not so perfect might be expected. The full text is found in only one manuscript, which bears the title, "Lucii Caecilii liber ad Donatum Confessorem de Mortibus Persecutorium". Many attempts have been made to show that the work was not written by Lactantius; Bookseller Inventory # 18430. Bookseller: Krown & Spellman, Booksellers (Culver City, CA, U.S.A.)
  Price: £ 463.11 (July 2006)