Very rare third impression of the first edition of an emblem book by the Dutch Jesuit Adriaan Poirters (1605-1674). It is often presented as a third edition of Ydelheyd des werelds, another emblem book by the same author, first published in 1645, but it differs considerably from Ydelheyd des werelds: it is completely revised, carries a new title and contains different engravings. Ydelheyd des werelds contained engravings by Philip de Mallery, while the present edition is illustrated with emblems by Frederik Bouttats, who was active at Antwerp from 1620 to 1661. Both emblem books went through many further editions, each under its own title. Here, each emblem has a motto and a two-line moral verse, and is followed by a lengthy prose text, enlarged in later editions. The emblem on avarice is omitted as usual on p. 74.
Poirters was born in Oisterwijk in Dutch Brabant and became a Jesuit and teacher at Malines and Maastricht. He later became a popular preacher at Louvain, Antwerp and Malines. Poirters was also a gifted poet, and in the present emblem book he depicts the world as proof of God's glory. The present work became very popular and was republished well into the 20th century.
With bookplate of Ewald Schlundt on pastedown and inscription "voor den worme" on first blank leaf. Slightly browned, first few leaves slightly soiled, and some small marginal wormholes. Binding worn along the extremities, damaged on top of spine. Otherwise a good copy. De Backer & Sommervogel VI, col. 928; Landwehr, Dutch emblem books, 184; Landwehr, Emblem and fable books 644; Praz, p. 459; STCV 3114498 (4 copies); STCN 311757782 (1 copy); De Vries, Emblemata 185; not in WorldCat.