Saint Bernardine of Siena, (1380-1444; canonized 1450; feast day May 20), Franciscan theologian and preacher of great eloquence who, with Saints John of Capistrano and James of the March, led the growth of the Observants, a strict branch of the Franciscan order that subsequently spread throughout Europe.

Bernardine became a priest in 1404 but did not begin his renowned preaching tours through Italy until 1417. Appalled by the breakdown in morals, the lawlessness, and the civil strife that resulted from the Great Western Schism, he strove to restore morals by inculcating a deep personal love of Jesus Christ.

First and only edition thus; 8vo (220 x 150 mm); woodcut illustrated title-page, frontispiece, plates, vigenttes and historiated capitals to the frist word of each chapter, slight age-toning paper, else near fine; contemporary full brown morocco, gilt-panelled with small red morocco florets, patterend endpapers, top edge gilt, others uncut, as published.