Tobie, Judith et Esther Traduits En Francois Avec Une Explication Du Sens Litteral Et Spirituel Tiree
Par M. Le Maistre de Sacy
Published by Chez Eugene Henry Fricx: Bruxelles 1714
PROVENANCE
: Contains the bookplate of Francis Jeune D.C.L. - Francis Jeune (22 May 1806 - 21 August 1868), also known as François Jeune, was a Jersey-born clergyman, schoolmaster, and academic who served as Dean of Jersey (1838-1844) Master of Pembroke College, Oxford (1844-1864), and Bishop of Peterborough (1864-1868).
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Tobie, Judith et Esther: Traduits en François avec une Explication du Sens Littéral et Spirituel Tirée, par M. Le Maistre de Sacy, published in Brussels by Chez Eugène Henry Fricx in 1714, presents three of the Deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament rendered into French with both literal and allegorical commentary. As part of the renowned Bible de Port-Royal tradition, this edition reflects the Jansenist emphasis on moral introspection and theological clarity. Le Maistre de Sacy's translation combines elegant seventeenth-century French prose with devotional exegesis, seeking to illuminate both the plain meaning of Scripture and its deeper spiritual symbolism—particularly themes of faith, virtue, divine providence, and redemption through trial, as embodied by Tobit, Judith, and Esther.
Printed in early eighteenth-century Brussels, this edition demonstrates the enduring influence of French Catholic scholarship beyond Paris, during a time when the Port-Royal Bible faced official suppression in France. The volume's provenance is of particular interest, bearing the bookplate of Francis Jeune, D.C.L. (1806-1868), a prominent Oxford academic, Dean of Lincoln, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, linking the work to nineteenth-century Anglican intellectual circles. This association, combined with the fine Brussels printing and early date, makes the book an appealing acquisition for collectors of French theological works, Jansenist literature, and notable provenance copies.
Louis-Isaac Lemaistre de Sacy (29 March 1613 - 4 January 1684), a priest of Port-Royal, was a theologian and French humanist. He is best known for his translation of the Bible, the most widespread French Bible in the 18th century, also known as the Bible de Port-Royal.
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Heavy wear to covers and spine with rubbing, some loss and damage as shown. A bookplate is present. Pages are typically clean with some age toning. There are no loose pages and the covers are attached but becoming fragile. Book presents well and is in good condition overall. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.
Size 16.5cm x 10.5cm x 3.5cm - 586 Pages + Table
