Augustin Calmet – Biblical Dictionary – Venice, 1726 – Engravings and Maps

Dictionarium historicum, criticum, chronologicum, geographicum, et literale Sacrae Scripturae, by Augustin Calmet. Venice: Sebastianum Coleti, 1726. Two volumes. Latin.

Latin edition of the celebrated collection of essays by Augustin Calmet (1672-1757), French Catholic theologian, historian, and Biblical scholar, considered one of the pioneers of modern scientific study of the Scriptures. His works served as the basis for generations of scholars well into the 19th century.

The dictionary, arranged alphabetically, comprises essays on history, textual criticism, archaeology, geography and other Biblical subjects, accompanied by 23 engraved plates: maps of Jerusalem, the Palestine and the Middle East, engravings of the Temple vessels, the Ark of the Covenant and the altar, the High Priest, various coins, and a map depicting the location of the Biblical Garden of Eden between the rivers of Babylon (Tabula Paradisi Terrestris).

Two volumes. Vol. I: [6] leaves, 499 pages + [11] plates (engravings and maps); Vol. II: 503 pages + [12] plates (engravings and maps). 34 cm. Good condition. Stains, creases and a few tears (partially repaired). Some gatherings detached. Contemporary parchment bindings.