Berthault, Pierre (1600-1681) Liber Singularis de Ara.
Nantes: Petrus Doriou, 1636.
First edition, octavo, bound in 18th century full olive morocco, inner gilt dentelles, gilt lettered spine with decorative band tooled at head and tail, blue paste-paper endleaves, contemporary signature to title, 6 1/2 x 4 in.
This rare work on the altar bears the arms of the dedicatee, Cardinal Richelieu, on the title. Berthault, a priest in Nantes, includes a historical note (beginning on page 347) regarding an ancient inscription found there. "The Cathedral of Nantes is built upon the ruins of a druidical temple, consecrated to a god called Boulianus, Boul-Janus, or Voldanus, adored in Armorican Gaul." (cf. Leitch Ritchie's Liber Fluviorum: Or, River Scenery of France, London: Bohn, 1857.)
