Jacobus de Voragine - Golden Legend Fragment in French - Lyon ?1529

Significant Fragment of  the “Legenda aurea” or “Golden legend” by Jacobus de Voragine with woodcut illustrations - likely early 1500s (? Lyon 1529)

“La grant et vraye legende doree et la vie des sainctz et sainctes de paradis”

In 4 –vellum binding with significant wear and lossening

Text from pp 55 to 278 only (with losses to page 143)

Probably Lyon, chez Jean Lambany, 1529 - although it is not possible to date this with certainty due to the lack of title page and colophon

Overall fair condition. Binding worn and damaged, toning to pages with losses to pages. Stains and some damp staining to pages.

4 larger woodcuts and many smaller woodcuts in text

"The Golden Legend" was written by Jacobus de Voragine in the 13th century and is a collection of biographies of saints. It was one of the most important and influential texts of the Middle Ages, reflecting the world view of the day, and was published frequently after the dawn of the printing press across Europe

Each chapter typically describes the life and miracles of a saint, often emphasising their virtues and the significance of their deeds. The work is notable for its blend of facts, legends, and religious moral teaching and aiming to inspire faith among readers. It includes stories of well-known saints like St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Francis, along with many lesser-known figures. The text contributed significantly to the liturgical calendar, as it often aligns with feast days dedicated to these saints.

This is an early illustrated Lyon edition of the book. All early Lyon editions are rare with less than 5 copies of each on USTC. This edition is most likely Jean Lambany, Lyon 1529.