Lipsius, De Cruce, 1595

Justi Lipsi, De Cruce Libri Tres Adsacram profanamque historiam utiles. Una cum Notis. Secunda editio correctior. Romae Ex Typographia Dominici Basae, M. D. XCV. Superiorum Permissu.  
 
Octavo in vellum with red title label on spine. Slight splay. Red speckle page edges. “1020” written near top left corner of front board. Some notations on front and rear pastedowns. Minimal toning and a few minor creases. Small damp stain at the gutter. Margins well retained. Clean and tight. 
 
Blank, title – A8, H8, blank. With 22 xylographs. 
125 (3).
 
The second edition of Justin Lipsius’ famous and influential book on crucifixion. Lipsius created nomenclature for different types of crosses, many of which are demonstrated in the figures of various crucified victims. Other tortures, including biopredation by carnivores as well as conflagration, are also shown. One victim impaled on a pike. 
 
Justus Lipsius (1547 – 1606) was a Flemish and Roman Catholic humanist philosopher. He attempted to reconcile stoicism with Christianity. He published on diverse topics.