Vetus liturgia alemannica disquisitionibus praeviis, notis, et observationibus illustrata ... 3 parts in 2 vols.

Sankt Blasien, typis San-Blasianis, 1776. With engr. title vignette, large head-piece with portrait medallion of Gerbert engr. by Peter Mayr, second head-piece with a view of the monastery of St. Blasien, engr. by Peter Mayr after Joseph Hörr, large figured engr. initial, 11 engr. plates (6 folding), numerous large figured woodcut initials. 6 leaves, XL pp., 4 leaves, 416 pp, 4 leaves; pp. (417)-1048, 4 leaves. 4to. Contemp. half calf, with spine labels (somewhat rubbed, old small paper shelf labels on spines). Small ownership stamp Rev. J. F. Goggin on titles. Sankt Blasien, typis San-Blasianis, 1776. First edition. Martin Gerbert (1720-1793), Baron von Hornau, was Prince Abbot of St. Blasien. He is best known for his work on the history of Church music "De cantu et musica sacra" (1774) and his "Iter Alemannicum" (1765). On his travels in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, he visited scholars and libraries to research medieval sources. This present great work on the liturgy is largely based on sources from German monasteries, especially his own, and still serves modern readers as a rich source of documentation. It deals with the seasons of the Church year, vestments, liturgical art, and rites for the dead. The 11 fine plates (2 signed Joh. Haas) with lots of details show medieval sacred vessels, vestments, and other ecclesiastical works of art, including a striking chalice. - Occasional faint foxing or light browning. - Ebert 8366; Graesse III, 57; cf. Thieme/Becker XV, 390 (Johann Baptist Haas) and XVII, 214 (Joseph Hör or Hörr). RELIGION / THEOLOGY ;