Vetus liturgia alemannica disquisitionibus praeviis, notis, et observationibus illustrata . 3 parts in 2 vols.

With engr. title vignette, large head-piece with portrait medallion of Gerbert engr. by Peter Mayr, second head-piece with a view of the monastery of St. Blasien, engr. by Peter Mayr after Joseph Hörr, large figured engr. initial, 11 engr. plates (6 folding), numerous large figured woodcut initials. 6 leaves, XL pp., 4 leaves, 416 pp, 4 leaves; pp. (417)-1048, 4 leaves. 4to. Contemp. half calf, with spine labels (somewhat rubbed, old small paper shelf labels on spines). Small ownership stamp Rev. J. F. Goggin on titles. Sankt Blasien, typis San-Blasianis, 1776. First edition. Martin Gerbert (1720-1793), Baron von Hornau, was a Benedictine monk, theologian, and musicologist. He served as the Prince Abbot of St. Blaise Abbey in the Black Forest region of Germany, and is best known for his work on the history of Church music "De cantu et musica sacra" (1774) and his "Iter Alemannicum" (1765). On his travels in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, he visited scholars and libraries to research medieval sources. This is an important work in the study of liturgical history because it provides significant insights into the development of Christian liturgy, especially the Gallican liturgical tradition, which was used in parts of Western Europe before the Roman Rite became dominant. His work is based on sources from German monasteries, especially his own, and still serves modern readers as a rich source of documentation. Gerbert examines and documents various liturgical practices and rituals that were used in different regions of France and Germany. It deals with the seasons of the Church year, and the traditions of the time, vestments, liturgical art, and rites for the dead. The 11 fine plates (2 signed Joh. Haas) with lots of details show medieval sacred vessels, vestments, and other ecclesiastical works of art, including a striking chalice. - Occasional faint foxing or light browning. - Ebert 8366; Graesse III, 57; cf. Thieme/Becker XV, 390 (Johann Baptist Haas) and XVII, 214 (Joseph Hör or Hörr). RELIGION / THEOLOGY ;