[INCUNABLE] A leaf from Rainerius de Pisis’ Pantheologia, 1474

[Augsburg: Günther Zainer], 1474. Single leaf, 405 x 285 mm, Latin, printed in two columns in black ink, rubricated by hand in red ink, with two four-line initials, a fine example with wide margins.

A fine leaf from Rainerius de Pisis’ Pantheologia, sive Summa universae theologiae, the second edition of the oldest theological encyclopedia, printed by Günther Zainer (or Zeyner or Zeiner) (died 1 October 1478), the first printer in Augsburg.

‘ Pantheologia, sive Summa universae theologiae was the first theological encyclopedia and one of the longest books written in the medieval period. Its author was one Rainerius de Pisis (d.1351, not to be confused with the saint of the same name), an Italian Dominican. Six printed editions of his work were produced during the 15th century, only one of which (the last) was produced in Italy.’ – Royal Collection Trust.

‘Although the author was Italian, it is noticeable that of the six editions printed in the 15th-century, the first five appeared in Germany, suggesting that the manuscripts quickly found their way to Nuremberg, where it is quite possible that the celebrated humanist, physician and bibliophile Hartmann Schedel had something to do with seeing the formidable tomes into print.’ (Notes on the bibliography of Rainerius de Pisis, Rhodes, p. 238).

This leaf included commentary on the Holy Spirit appearing to the apostles as fire. The chapter heading above the initial reads:  spiritussanctis super apostolos congregatos in die penthecostes in specie ignis apparavit propter quattuor rationes. (The Holy Spirit appeared in the form of fire over the apostles gathered together on the day of Pentecost for four reasons).

References: H *13016; BMC II, 321; Bod-inc R-002; BSB-Ink R-2; IGI 8268; Goff R-6.