Rare first and only edition of a highly original selection of fragments from the works of Saint Augustine (354-430) assembled by an unknown humanist with the clear intention of defending the Catholic faith against the numerous kinds of reformers and heretics active in northern Europe in those days, and to bring back straying believers to the true faith. The compiler of this anthology, who dated his preface 23 March [1526?], has not been identified, but Albert Paffraet (d. 1553), the son of the more famous printer Richard Paffraet, published many books by contemporary humanists such as Erasmus, Murmellius, Reuchlin and Angelo Poliziano, including both pamphlets inspired by the ideas of the Reformation and defences of the traditional faith.
With owers inscriptions and stamps. With some small wormholes in the last few leaves, but otherwise in very good condition. The binding has been repaired, with a paper board replacing the back wooden board but covered by the original calf and the manuscript pastedown, three old patches on and near the spine (with the loss of the headbands) and the joints cracked. An interesting selection of fragments from the works of Saint Augustine. KVK & WorldCat (2 copies); NK 148 (2 copies); STCN (1 copy); USTC (4 copies, some no longer located); for the woodcut border: NAT V, 21.