Psalterium Davidis - Antique Latin Psalter - F. G. Levrault, Strasbourg 1830

A beautifully preserved Latin psalter from 1830, printed in Strasbourg by F. G. Levrault. Psalterium Davidis contains explanations and reflections on the Biblical psalms of David. In this copy, volume I and volume II have been brought together in one sturdy, richly executed binding.

Each psalm is preceded by a short synopsis, followed by an extensive explanation in Latin. The work originated in the religious and academic environment of Molsheim in Alsace and refers on the title page to the Marian Congregation there and the original publication period of 1779 to 1782. This edition was printed in Strasbourg in 1830.

The bookbinding is an important part of this copy's appeal. The dark green, almost black leather spine is decorated with gold-stamped lines, three fleurs-de-lis, and the title Psalterium Davidis 1-2. The boards are covered with dark decorative paper with a richly pressed ornamental relief. On the inside are beautifully marbled endpapers in shades of brown, red, black, and cream.

An interesting detail is the difference between the two bound volumes. Volume I has a strikingly yellow-colored page edge, while volume II has a natural, uncolored edge. This emphasizes that these are two separate volumes bound together in this binding.

The book is in very good antiquarian condition. The binding is sturdy, the book block is excellently assembled, and the hinges are also well preserved. The gold decoration on the spine remains bright, and both the relief of the boards and the marbled endpapers have beautifully retained their decorative character. The paper shows slight discoloration and scattered minor age spots, fitting for a book almost two centuries old.

A beautiful and substantial copy in which religious history, Latin printing, and nineteenth-century bookbinding come together.

Specifications

• Title: Psalterium Davidis, brevi ac succincta paraphrasi explicatum
• Volumes: Tomus Primus and Tomus Secundus, volume I and II in one binding
• Year: 1830
• Place of publication: Strasbourg, France, listed as Argentinæ
• Printer: F. G. Levrault, Regis Typographi
• Language: Latin
• Subject: Psalms of David with theological explanations and commentaries
• Binding: Half-leather binding with gold decoration and relief paper
• Spine: Dark green leather with gold-stamped title, lines, and fleurs-de-lis
• Endpapers: Marbled paper
• Page edges: Volume I yellow colored, volume II natural
• Dimensions: approx. 17.5 × 11.5 × 4 cm
• Condition: Very good antiquarian condition, with slight signs of use and age