[16th c. book]. DAMHOUDER (Joost de). Praxis rerum criminali - Lot 83

[16th c. book]. DAMHOUDER (Joost de). Praxis rerum criminalium, prætoribus, proconsulibus, magistratibus, reliquis'que id genus Antverpiæ, apud I. Bellerum, 1570. In-4, [16] f., 508 p. (wrong chif. for 512), [32] f., contemporary soft parchment, handwritten title on spine, laces (one lace broken, binding stained, modern etiquette on spine; some soiling, some pages browned). Illustrated with 73 woodcuts in the text, some full-page, including a portrait of Damhouder and his coat of arms. New Latin edition of the famous manual of criminal law by the Flemish jurisconsult Josse de Damhouder (1507-1581), who strongly influenced the practice of criminal law. Originally published in French in 1554 under the title "La practique et enrichidion des causes criminelles...", the work caused a scandal at the time of its publication, as it was accused of plagiarism. However, this did not prevent it from enjoying great success, thanks in particular to its engravings (several were deemed licentious, notably the scenes of adultery p.263, fornication p.294, incest p.299, rape p.302, etc.). These depict crimes, tortures and the stages of legal proceedings, with the last panel showing a judge in a courtroom. The work was reprinted many times in French, Latin, German and Flemish. Some handwritten annotations in brown ink in the margins, the engravings slightly enhanced in bistre. Old inscription on the upper cover, including a drawing of a coat of arms. Provenance: Grenoble Lawyers' Library (stamps); handwritten ownership marks on title, one crossed out in ink. (USTC 401461; Brunet II, 479; Graesse II, 322).