John Chrysostom (trans. Anzelm Załęski), Writings, vols. I–II [1854]

Year of publication: 1854. First edition in this translation.

Volume: Volume I: [XVI], [XVI] + 273 pp. Volume II: 262 pp.

Format: 21 cm.

Binding: Period half-leather, with embossing and gilt lettering on the spine; marbled paper endpapers. In Volume I, there is a loss of marbled paper on the back endpaper, exposing the cardboard backing. The spines on both volumes are legible, with slight wear on the surface.

Translation: Fr. Anzelm Załęski, from the Greek.

The 1854 edition of the writings of St. John Chrysostom introduced Polish readers to the homilies and speeches of one of the great preachers of the ancient Church. The translator, Fr. Anzelm Załęski, also translated the poetry of Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski, hence the note on the title page: “Translator of Sarbiewski.” The volume was published in Warsaw by Samuel Orgelbrand, a few years before he began work on his *Encyklopedia Powszechna* (Universal Encyclopedia).

Provenance: On the half-title page of both volumes is a 19th-century handwritten signature reading “Z. Witkowski.”

A two-volume set.

The blocks of both volumes are intact. In Volume I, from p. 233 to the end, there is a distinct old stain that darkens the paper; the text is legible. Both volumes have minor foxing. The binding of Volume I requires some marbled paper to be added to the back cover.

An item from the 19th Polish Antiquarian Book Auction.