Russia
Kormchaya Kniga [The Book of the Helmsman].
Moscow, 1782. 2 volumes folio (32 x 22 cm). Paper with watermark showing the date of 1781 and a woman sitting holding a sceptre. Contemporary full calf, gilt panels and gilt imperial eagle to covers, spine with raised bands gilt in compartments, gilt edges, marbled endleaves; slightly rubbed and oxidised, volume 2 slightly smaller and with a varying decoration on spine.
VERY FINE COPY IN CONTEMPORARY ARMORIAL BINDING of this celebrated collection of regulations on ecclesiastic and secular matters, called 'Nomocanon' in the Byzantine tradition. It was a complement to the Russian common law. The Nomocanon contains originally the canons of the church and the legislation of Byzantine emperors, in particular the Novels of Justinian. At the request of Alexei Mikhailovich, the Nomocanon zas revised and published in Russian by the Patriarchs Joseph in 1650 and Nikon in 1653. Thus the status of the Russian empire as heir of Byzantine tradition was consolidated. Under Catherine II the Nomocanon was much revised and developed by the Holy Synod and re-published in the present edition.
Price: £ 22000
US Dollar Price: $ 43630
Stock Number: 76426