Featured 1644 Dodoens 'Cruydt-Boeck' – A Botanical Treasure in My Collection

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to add a long-desired book to my collection: the 1644 edition of Rembert Dodoens' "Cruydt-Boeck," printed by Balthasar Moretus in Antwerp. This book is a significant milestone in the history of botany, as Dodoens' work was widely influential in the 16th and 17th centuries, forming the foundation for later botanical studies. It was translated into multiple languages and served as a key reference for herbalists and physicians of the time.

This has always been a book I wanted to own, but a perfect copy was out of my budget. My copy is not flawless—the first few pages have been replaced, and the binding is later—but most of the pages are in relatively good condition. The detailed botanical woodcuts, many of which were used in previous editions, remain sharp and well-preserved. I find the added descriptions of exotic plants particularly fascinating, as they reflect Europe's expanding knowledge of flora from the Americas and Asia. These additions, likely drawn from the works of Carolus Clusius and other contemporary botanists, illustrate the growing exchange of botanical knowledge in early modern Europe.

Even with its imperfections, I’m still thrilled to have this piece of botanical history in my library. It’s a wonderful example of the craftsmanship of the Plantin-Moretus printing house, which played such a crucial role in early scientific publishing.

The binding



The title page in facsimile, not very well done in my opinion.



Although the books was printed in 1644 it still has a 16th century renaissance look.



All 1200 (?) woodcuts have this format, with a sometimes hard to read Dutch plant name in the font Civilite.


In my book some woodcuts are colored, but most of them are black and white.



This is the main ownermark in my book. It looks someone called Siejnor from Zultieg??? got this book in 1812 from someone, who paid 6 guilders and 6 stuivers for it.


This book was improved over the years it was published. In later editions, like my one, exotic plants were added like cocoa.



And potatoes...

 

These woodcuts are so beautiful! What a beautiful copy overall. Congratulations on finally adding it to your library.

 

Another impressive book, EL. You were fortunate indeed, it is a beauty in every way. Very interesting and beautiful renditions of the plants.

I am currently reading "Rijk aan de rand van de wereld" by Piet Emmer and Jos Gommans, about Dutch overseas exploration, trade and the colonies. The Dutch had already learnt a lot about Asian botany from Persian scholars (the Persian language was taught in Dutch universities), but this knowledge was expanded when they traveled to India, East and Southeast Asia themselves. Fascinating stuff.
And of course some important botanists traveled to Dutch Brazil and Surinam, like Maria Sybilla von Merian.

I read Signor. (Een Antwerpse Sinjoor.)

Zuldieq?

This may not be related, but there is a village called Zijldijk in Groningen. Zieldiek in local dialect.

 

That is wonderful! I'm partial to old botanical books, mostly because of the art.

 

These 2 books
https://books.google.be/books?vid=GENT900000167161&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://books.google.be/books?vid=GENT900000110801&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
belonged to Joannes Baptiste Signor tot Sulsieque (Zulzeke)
I think J.B. was already gone in 1812, but could this have been owned by one of the later Signors (mentioned in the Bible: Carel Joseph Signor or Frederiekus Jospehus Signor)?

 

Isn't the name Charles Jo(with the rest of the name missing on the right side, like other words are also half missing)?

 

https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/stra026thea02_01/stra026thea02_01_0007.php
Charles-Joseph is the son of Pierre-Joseph Signor, the brother of Jean-Baptiste

"SIGNOR, Charles-Joseph, un des enfants de Pierre-Joseph Signor, se lança également dans la carrière de directeur de théâtre, organisa différentes représentations à Nukerke, Etichove, Eyne, Leupeghem, Bever, Sulsique, et fit jouer à Renaix, en 1822" places him in the right era.

 

Nice sleuthing, Marote.

 

Gorgeous piece Lib.

 

Of course you want to know what I paid for such an incomplete book: here is the original auction result: https://live.bernaerts.eu/lots/view...e-druckerije-van-balthasar-moretus-1644-in-fo

The price for this book in a better state.
https://www.antiqbook.com/books/bookinfo.phtml?nr=1559256838&l=nl&seller=

A facsimile edition of the same book
https://www.antiqbook.com/books/bookinfo.phtml?nr=1560219611&l=nl&seller=

 

You did very well.

 

It's a sweet find, no matter the condition.