The first biography of Vincent Ferrer in one of the first printed books from Spain
Life of Saint Vincent Ferrer
Valencia (Spain) — March 23rd, 1510

Life of Saint Vincent Ferrer
Valencia (Spain) — March 23rd, 1510
The first biography of the influential preacher Vincent Ferrer (1350–1419), who helped to end the Great Western Schism
It was composed in Valencian by the author Miquel Pereç and published in 1510 by Joan Joffre
Alongside fantastic printed graphics, the document is additionally ennobled through engraved initials

Life of Saint Vincent Ferrer
Prologue Incipit Page
Aside from containing the biography of the influential Dominican preacher and logician Saint Vincent Ferrer, it is also a fine example of early Spanish printing from the workshop of Joan Joffre. This incipit page is perfect with neat margins, even spacing, a clear typeface, and is centered on the page in a manner that pleases the eye. It is adorned by a woodcut of a highly stylized “M” initial complete with an elaborate background consisting of curled tendrils.
Life of Saint Vincent Ferrer
- La vida de sant Vicent Ferrer
- Leben des Heiligen Vincent Ferrer
Short Description
The Life of St. Vincent Ferrer is a printed codex that was made in the year 1510 in the workshop of the famous printer Joan Joffre. It is the first biography worldwide of the influential preacher Ferrer, who made a decisive contribution to ending the Great Western Schism that divided the Catholic Church. Alongside the fantastic printed graphics, which show the portrait of the saint, the precious document is additionally ennobled through engraved initials.
Life of Saint Vincent Ferrer
The monk Vincent Ferrer lived in a Dominican monastery in Valencia and was one of the most famous preachers in medieval Spain. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. The text at hand, La vida de sant Vicent Ferrer, tells of the life and great deeds of the cleric. It is the first biography of Ferrer worldwide. The work was composed by a prominent Spanish author and is illustrated with an impressive portrait of the saint.
Top-Class Literature
The biography of Saint Vincent Ferrer was composed by the author Miquel Pereç in the local Valencian language of the Middle Ages. Pereç primarily attained great fame through his work Obres o trobes en laors de la Verge Maria. His texts are counted among the first printed books in Spain and today are considered to be the cornerstone of the written Valencian language. The saint’s biography was printed by the famous publisher and graphic artist Joan Joffre. He was the owner of the most important printing house in Spain during the early 16th century.
Who was St. Vincent Ferrer?
Vincent Ferrer entered the Dominican order in Valencia in the year 1367 at the age of 17 because, according to legend, he was called by a divine vision. Due to his charismatic vibrancy, he was soon chosen to be a wandering preacher of repentance. His obtained his exceptional ecclesiopolitical significance through his decisive contribution to ending the Great Western Schism in 1378. Furthermore, he authored various theological treatises. His personal charisma, simple lifestyle, but above all the proclamation of an imminent apocalypse like the anticipated battle against the Antichrist bestowed enormous popularity upon him. That being said, he was also known for the dissemination of anti-Jewish visions of the end of days. In his biography, the focus lies on the numerous great deeds performed by the Saint for the Catholic Church in Spain.
An Exciting Saint’s Legend
The Life of St. Vincent Ferrer is not a historically verifiable or reliable biography. It represents more of a eulogy to the good actions of the important Catholic preacher. It is a collection of memories from the Saint’s turbulent life, which have been collected and enshrined in the Spanish tradition. His devotion, prophecies, and miracles were all portrayed. As a result, the preciously-designed book does not represent a reliable source for historians, but is nonetheless an absolute jewel of Spanish literature during the Middle Ages and offers enjoyable reading for both young and old with its exciting depictions.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- La vida de sant Vicent Ferrer
Leben des Heiligen Vincent Ferrer - Size / Format
- 64 pages / 22.5 x 15.5 cm
- Origin
- Valencia (Spain)
- Date
- March 23rd, 1510
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Illustrations
- Woodcut of Saint Vincent Ferrer and engraved initials
- Artist / School
- Author: Miquel Pereç
Printer: Juan Joffre

Life of Saint Vincent Ferrer
Dedication Portrait
This splendid woodcut portrait of St. Vincent Ferrer serves as the frontispiece of the codex. Although a printed book, it continues the tradition of the dedication miniature originating in Late Antiquity. They are usually a portrait of the manuscript’s patron, often in a scene showing it being presented to them, or of the deceased person to whom it is dedicated, such as a saint or the founder of a monastery.
Aside from being a major figure in ending the Western Schism, St. Vincent is known as the Preacher of the Apocalypse. He is pictured here with a banderole reading TIMETE DEUM ET DATE ILLI HONOREM QUIA VENIT HORA IUDICII, a quote often associated with him from Rev. 14:7 “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment...”
1 available facsimile edition(s) of „Life of Saint Vincent Ferrer“
La vida de sant Vicent Ferrer
- Publisher
- Vicent Garcia Editores – Valencia, 1997
- Limited Edition
- 3000 copies
- Binding
- Parchment on wooden board. Presentation dust jacket cloth lined with gold engraved leather spine containing facsimile.
- Commentary
-
1 volume (202 pages) by Antoni Ferrando Francés
Language: Spanish - More Information
- Numbered by notary and signed by the printer-publisher. Specially made laid paper.
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