Summary: "Editio princeps of perhaps the most influential religious emblem books" (Landwehr). Herman Hugo (1588-1629), born in Brussels, joined the Jesuit order in 1605, became Spinola's father confessor and accompanied the general in all his campaigns. He died of the plague at Reinberg. The engravings in this beautifully illustrated emblem book are attributed to Boetius à Bolswert (Boëce van Bolswert: ca. 1580-1633), who also is noted as the publisher (one illustration is signed "W. Simpson sculp."). The work went through numerous editions with engravings and woodcuts by various artists. The illustrations were also copied for use in other emblem works. The engravings, which include a biblical citation below the illustration, appear in fine dark impressions. A very nice copy of a very important work in its field.
Signatures: *-2*⁸ A-2C⁸.
Imprint: Colophon, "Antuerpiae apud Henricum Aertsium M. DC. XXIV."
Illustrative and Decorative Content: Engraved illustrated title page. Initial; tailpieces; printed marginal notes.
Binding: Bound in contemporary vellum.
Additional Details: Half-title, "Pia desideria emblematis illustrata"; each of the three books also has a separate half-title.