Prize binding – 1577

„The oldest recorded prize book“*

The book „is in any case an exceptional prize book. Dated 1577 on the binding, it is by far the earliest recorded book that, not only, was certainly given as a prize, but that has a proper prize binding. The first association of course is a Jesuit connection, and the central block might point to the Bavarian area, though it is maybe to common to be sure. It would be extremely exceptional of course if it did originate in Liège, in 1577 the school still being under the rue of the Brethren. The basic decorative pattern with the ex-praemio tooled on the covers was in use later on in Liège, and books printed in, for example, Ingolstadt were given there.“  (Coppens)

Contemporary gold tooled calf, boards with fillet and roll frame, small tools in inner corners, central oval block figuring Crucifixion. Above this oval stamp the name of the pupil: Emanuel Bo/duensis, below the reason he got he prize: Tertius ad syntaxi.

On the back cover central oval block with Virgin and Child, above this block the year Emanuel Boduensis got the prize: 1577.

Two green silk ties on upper and lower boards, gilt-gauffered edges.

Provenance: 

1.) Emanuel Boduensis

2.) Ex libris Laurentius Hennuy ex Cheneux on fly-leaf

3.). A. J. Steinach on title-page.

*C. Coppens; Four Centuries of Prize Books … page 80, and note 33 on p. 101, in: Foot, M. M. (Ed.), Eloquent Witnesses. Bookbindings and their History, Oak Knoll, New Castle, 2004)

Contents: Augustinus, Meditationes … Dillingen, S. Mayer, 1571.