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CONFUCIUS.
Confucius sinarum Philosophus, sive Scientia Sinensis latine exposita …
Adjecta est tabula chronologica sinicae monarchiae ab hujus exordio ad haec usque tempora.
First European edition of Confucius: the first three parts being Latin translations of the Ta Hsüeh, the Chung Yung, and the Lun Yü or Analects; and the fourth, Philippe Couplet's Tabula chronologica sinicae monicharchiae, listing Chinese kings from BCE 2952 to 1683 CE, with a separate title-page. Partial translations only of Confucius' works had previously been made into Latin and into French. The book was published under the patronage of Louis XIV during a lengthy trip to Europe from 1683 to 1692 made by the Flemish Jesuit Couplet (1624-1693) to promote the activities of the mission. The other Jesuits credited are Prospero Intorcetta, Christian Herdtrich, and François Rougement. The work is also notable for the map representing the provinces of China with indications of centres of missionary activity.
Folio (322 × 220 mm). Contemporary sprinkled calf, sides with gilt roll border, spine gilt in compartments, hand-lettered title label in third compartment, comb-marbled endpapers, red sprinkled edges. Engraved portrait of Confucius, engraved map of China (fore-edge folded in), both for Jean Nolin; engraved headpieces. Bookplate of Neander Library, Rochester Theological Seminary, pencil shelf-mark on title verso, but no other library marks. Occasional marginalia in pencil and ink. Skilful unobtrusive restoration to front joint, spine ends and corners, a little dampstaining at head only markedly affecting central gatherings L-N, a few marks or blemishes, but a very good copy in contemporary calf.
