1687
First European Printing
Embroidered Silk Binding
This is the first European printing of the works of the Chinese philosopher and teacher Confucius. The stunning hand-embroidered silk binding you see was commissioned to communicate the importance of this volume. It was published at the order of Louis XIV, to whom the work is dedicated. In addition to the three works of Confucius (The Analects of Confucius, The Great Learning, and The Doctrine of the Mean), this volume contains a summary of the theology, history, and customs of the Chinese, a life of Confucius, and a chronology and genealogy of Chinese dynasties.
This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
