The ‘Firmin Didot Augustine’
Epistolae by St Augustine
Manuscript in Latin on vellum
North–Eastern France, perhaps Metz, c. 1050–1080
326 x 260 mm
Price on request.
128 leaves. One very large interlace initial in red outline, and one large (17–line high) sophisticated pen–and–ink drawing of St Augustine enthroned. Complete. Bound in 17th- or 18th-century brown leather (sheepskin) over pasteboard, spine with five raised bands, covers and spine expertly repaired, title on spine in gilt, "August/Epistola/" be-tween the first and second bands. Very good condition.
This is a previously unknown and unpublished codex that belongs to an early group of texts known as the ‘Saint–Omer group’, whose representatives, like our copy, mostly come from north–eastern France. What distinguishes our manuscript from other copies of the same group is the impressive illustration showing the enthroned church father Augustine.
Manuscripts containing the letters of St Augustine were not usually illustrated, as they were monastic workbooks produced for scholars and theologians. Another codex from this group of St Augustine’s letters came from Metz to Freising, and shows similar textual features. It is considered to be the most important and most comprehensive early collection of St Augustine’s letters. Interestingly, our manuscript preserves the final readings that were lost of the Freising copy. All these outstanding features make our manuscript an invaluable testimony to late antique patristic thought. It was not on the market for almost a century and has now reappeared in excellent condition.
The epistles of St Augustine of Hippo represent a pivotal corpus for the comprehension of his thoughts, and his personality. In contrast to the major treatises, which present carefully constructed theological arguments, the letters portrait St Augustine as thinker, theologian, and pastor: advising bishops and aristocrats, debating heretics, consoling widows, negotiating with imperial officials, and reflecting candidly on Scripture, doctrine, and moral life. The letters offer an unparalleled insight into Augustine’s pastoral concerns, his intellectual honesty, his emotional range, and the social and political world of late Roman North Africa.
Our codex includes a substantial selection of letters with correspondents form a remarkably broad network: Volusianus and Marcellinus, prominent Roman officials; Jerome, Augustine’s sometimes combative scholarly partner; Paulinus and Therasia of Nola, close spiritual friends; Alypius, his lifelong companion and brother in faith; Bonifatius, the powerful military commander in Africa; and several lesser-known bishops, monks, widows, and aristocrats. The subjects encompass a wide range of themes, including biblical exegesis, the concepts of grace and free will, the practices of asceticism, and guidance on pastoral matters. In addition to these spiritual subjects, the text also addresses significant political crises, heretical ideologies, and deeply personal issues. It is evident that, through the medium of these letters, St Augustine is depicted not only in his capacity as a theologian, but also in his roles as a friend, mentor, negotiator and spiritual guide.
