First edition of Ludwig Wolzogen’s extensive Latin treatise on sacred oratory and the practical art of preaching, with the separately paginated Oratoris idea, his concise instructional guide to rhetoric and public speaking.
Wolzogen presents a systematic account of sermon composition and delivery, discussing the selection and interpretation of scriptural texts, the construction and arrangement of arguments, clarity and variety of language, and the effective use of voice, expression and gesture. The work combines Reformed homiletics with the classical rhetorical tradition, treating the preacher as both interpreter of Scripture and practised orator.
The accompanying Oratoris idea, prepared for private teaching, presents these principles in numbered precepts, including practical guidance on bodily movement, modulation of the voice and the appropriate use of the hands when addressing an audience.
Ludwig Wolzogen (1633–1690) was a Dutch Reformed minister and academic who taught practical philosophy at Groningen before becoming professor of church history at Utrecht.
A scarce Utrecht printing. USTC lists seven institutional copies, including those at the British Library and Cambridge University Library. Contemporary catalogues record the work in several notable Dutch collections, including the libraries of Benjamin Furly and Balthasar Bekker.
Provenance
From the Rare Book Room of the General Theological Seminary, New York, with its printed library and Rare Book Room labels to the front pastedown; shelfmarks and institutional ownership stamps.
Condition
Contemporary limp vellum, soiled and marked, with a superficial damp stain to the upper cover which does not penetrate to the leaves. Vellum curled slightly at the fore-edges, with minor wear, small splits and losses at the extremities. Later black cloth library label around the lower spine, bearing the former shelf mark. Front pastedown partly lifted, exposing the construction beneath; binding remains sound.
Institutional markings as described above, including blind stamps within the text and a perforated ownership stamp to the title page. Faded inscription at the head of the title page. Contents generally toned, but the paper remains sound and the text clear throughout. Small marginal tears to a few leaves, without loss of text. Occasional minor spotting and handling marks.
Bibliographical details
Octavo. [18], 679, [19], 144, [2] pp. With the separately paginated Oratoris idea and errata leaf; two blank leaves at the rear.
π1 2*8 A–2V8 2X4 2A–C8 (2C8 blank).
USTC 1807955; STCN 066876141.
