Amsterdam, J. Janssonius, 1653-1654. 12mo (12.7 x 7.1 cm). With engraved title (dated 1654), and letterpress title (dated 1653). [xxviii], 638, [xlvi] pp. Contemporary full vellum. Script title in an old hand on the spine.

A well-preserved copy of a rare edition, in a contemporary binding, of the 5th edition of a highly successful work by the Lutheran theologist, naturalist, and Professor of theology at Wittenberg University, Wolfgang Franz (1564-1628). The title translates into "The sacred history of animals: in which the principal properties of most animals are briefly adapted for the use of eikonologikon (iconographics), for the benefit of students of theology and ministers of the word. Fifth edition.". This fifth edition appears to be rare. There are no other copies available on the internet. Nor did we locate a digitalized version. Old ink erasures on letterpress title, and on engraved title verso; small, marginal dampstain on just a few leaf margins, but otherwise, overwhelmingly clean; two "miniature" bookplates on the front pastedown. One an armorial bookplate "A. P.", shield with three elephant heads and three stars, and motto Toujours le même; the other with four kabbalistic (?) signs.