Anselme Boece DE BOODT

Second edition of the Gemmarum et Lapidarum Historia by Flemish doctor and naturalist Anselm de Boodt, with commentary by Adrian Toll in first edi­tion. Illustrated with 45 woodcuts in text and two folding plates.
Contemporary marbled calf, spine four raised bands decorated in gilt, red mo­rocco title-label, boards twice framed in gilt, speckled edges. Restorations to the upper joint.
A major work of gemology and min­eralogy from the library a highly es­teemed bibliophile and major French political figure: Jean-Baptiste Colbert, famous for purchasing the “Bleu de France” diamond, one of the world's most beautiful gemstones.
Protégée of Jules Mazarin, Col