Confucius Sinarum

1687. CONFUCIUS. Confucius Sinarum Sive Scientia Sinensis Latine Exposita. cxxiv, 108, 160, xx, 20, 8, [2], 23-108, [2] pp. Illustrated with engraved portrait of Confucius and a map of China engraved by François de Louvemont from a drawing by the Belgian missionary Philippe Couplet. Folio, 335 x 225 mm, bound in contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt. Paris: Daniel Horthemels, 1687. First western edition of the Latin Translation of Confucius's body of work, a collective enterprise of a group of European Missionaries. With a dedication to Louis (truncated) XIV, preceded only by fragmentary translations. An early translation of Ta hsueh, Chung yung and Lun yu, three of the four Confucian texts chosen by the neo-Confucian philosopher Chu Hsi in 1190 to be included in the collection known as the SAshu ('Four Books'). The fourth book, the works of Mencius, and the reason for not printing it, are discussed in a note printed on p. 159 at the end of book three. The translation was done under special license from Louis XIV by members of the Jesuit Society. In addition to the first three books of Confucius, the work includes his biography, valuable essays on Chinese history and culture, and much factual information. Some text leaves toned, overall a tall, very good copy in a contemporary binding. Brunet II, 2221. Cordier Sinica I, 1389-1393. Lust 724. Morrison 438-439. Pei-tang 1358. Pfister 326-327. (Inventory #: 169179)