Pope Innocent IV. [Apparatus in quinque libros Decretalium.] Italy, 2nd half of 14th century. 6 leaves (i.e. 3 bifolia), folio (15.35" x 10.24", or 390 x 260mm.) Brown ink on parchment, with red and blue rubrication, and 14 capitals in red, white, dark blue, and light blue. In double-columns of 66 lines. 3 initials have been removed affecting 2 leaves. ******* Fragment from the same parent manuscript which appeared in Quaritch cat. 1315, No. 43. Three leaves (single leaves only) from the same manuscript also appeared recently at Bloomsbury in 2021 (see RBH record 208616-75.) The present is from book II and represents a near-contemporary manuscript fragment of Pope Innocent IV's commentary on canon law. Pope Innocent IV, born Sinibaldo Fieschi ca. 1195, was one of the best canonists of his time. His expertise in the field of law became quite evident when he wrote his Apparatus in quinque libros Decretalium. His Papacy would begin in 1243, and among his most notable papal bulls was his "Ad extirpanda" which set forth the legal procedures used in the inquisition.

Some light soiling and foxing, mild toning, three initials have been removed. Refer to photos, which show the manuscript in its entirety.