[580] pp. a8,b6,c8,d6,e8,f6,g8,h6, i8,k-o6;π1,(2)a-b6,c-h8,i6,j6,k6,l-n8; (3)a8,b6,c8,d-f6;(4)a8,b6,c8,d6,e8,f6,g10.(Folio) 30x20.5 cm (11¾x8") 19th century half vellum and marbled boards, leather spine label lettered in gilt, all edges marbled.
St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397 (born probably 340, at Trier, Arles, or Lyons; died 4 April, 397). He was one of the most illustrious Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and fitly chosen, together with St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Athanasius, to uphold the venerable Chair of the Prince of the Apostles in the tribune of St. Peter's at Rome. This volume of his collected works contains his complete letters with several additional important shorter treatises. The largest part of this volume contains the important letters of St Ambrose but it is supplemented by various shorter works, including several important treatises on virginity. "He wrote several works on virginity, or rather published a number of his discourses on that virtue, the most important of which is the treatise "On Virgins" addressed to his sister Marcellina, herself a virgin consecrated to the divine service. St. Jerome says (Ep. xxii) that he was the most eloquent and exhaustive of all the exponents of virginity, and his judgment expresses yet the opinion of the church." (Catholic Encyclopedia). Goff A551; HC 896*; Pell 579; ISTC iaa0055100.
Condition:
Bookplate of Swindon Public Library (withdrawn stamp), contemporary annotation on the work on bottom of title page, extensive inner margin worming repaired throughout (some text affected), occasional dampstains, library stamp in lower margin of last leaf; very good.