Sinarum philosophus, sive scientia sinensis latine exposita.

Paris : Daniel Horthemels, 1687. First edition. Folio, contemporary speckled calf, rebacked, preserving the original spine, in compartments with raised bands, gilt ornamentation and lettering, book labels for Levenside and H.P. Kraus to front pastedown, front free endpaper detached, pp. cxxiv; 108; 21; [iii – blanks]; 159; [blank]; xx; 108; 8; [I – privilege], [blank], copperplate map of China, folding portrait of Confucius (the first published in Europe), engraved headpiece, woodcut headpieces, tail pieces and ornamental initials, a fine copy.

The first edition of Confucius published in Europe, preceded only by fragmentary translations.

Edited by Prospero Intorcetta (1626-1696), Chrétien Herdtrich (1625-1684), François de Rougemont (1624-1676), and Philippe Couplet (1623-1692), the translation was undertaken under special license from Louis XIV by members of the Jesuit Society. In addition to a translation of the three principal books of Confucius, the work includes his biography, valuable essays on Chinese history and culture, and much other factual information on China.

Brunet II, 2221; Cordier Sinica I, 1389-1393; Lust 724; Morrison 438-439; Pei-tang 1358; Pfister 326-327.