Two texts, by Cameron & Cappel 1632, ex. Bigot Library

Two texts, by Cameron & Cappel 1632, ex. Bigot Library

Geneva: Petrum Auberum, 1632

DESCRIPTION: Cameron, John & Cappel, Louis (1632), Ioh. Cameronis Myrothecium evangelicum, hoc est Novi Testamenti loca quam plurima ab eo, post aliorum labores, apte & commode vel illustrata, vel explicata, vel vindicata - Lud. Cappell Spicilegium & diatribae dux - I. De interpretatione loci Matth. XV.5, II. De voto Iephthae. Geneva: Petrum Auberum, Quarto (23.5 × 16 cm), (14) + 360 pp. and 184 pp.; text in Latin with passages in Ancient Greek and Hebrew. Contemporary full vellum binding, smooth spine without lettering; printed on fine seventeenth-century laid paper. Louis-Émeric Bigot armorial bookplate (large version, 7 x 7.5 cm engraving) pasted on the front pastedown, with his name "L E Bigot". Seven pages with marginalia believed from Bigot's hand.

This is a book from one of the most important private libraries in France. "He is the young man in France with the greatest passion for letters, and one of those who, without ostentation, is most deeply immersed in Greek and Latin. His vehement inclination is to contribute to the restoration of the good authors of both languages," wrote Jean Chapelain of Louis-Émeric Bigot. The marginalia point to a theologically trained and disciplined reader.

PROVENANCE: Louis-Émeric Bigot

REFERENCES: Bibliotheca Bigotiana (1706:77, lot 129)

Louis-Émeric Bigot (1626-1689), after inheriting the precious library of his father Jean Bigot, significantly increased its holdings through his trips across Europe. His house became the gathering place of savants and writers to discuss questions of history, philosophy or literature under his presidency. This celebrated regional cabinet was sold at auction in 1706 after being bought by a group of Parisian booksellers, Jean Boudot, Charles Osmont and Gabriel Martin. Bibliotheca Bigotiana, where the present book is listed, was the first book auction in Paris for which a catalogue was printed. The notice to the reader of the catalogue indicates that "inspired by ancestral examples and following in his father's footsteps, [LOUIS EMERIC BIGOT] resolutely undertook the augmentation and embellishment of the BIGOTIANA Library, which was already renowned at that time for the number and selection of both manuscripts and printed books, regardless of the cost, care, or industry required."