Rare 1536 Antwerp Scripture Reference Book Found in São Paulo

I found a rare 1536 first edition in São Paulo titled *Phrases or Modes of Speaking of Divine Scripture*. It was compiled by Bartholomaeus Westhemerus and printed in Antwerp by Joannes Steelsius. The book arranges biblical expressions and Hebrew idioms alphabetically for students and clergy. The volume still has its old brown stamped-leather binding, brass clasps and handwritten ownership notes. A library stamp indicates that it was held by a Piarist school in Krems, Austria, in 1817. Its known journey appears to run from Antwerp to Austria and eventually to Brazil. The pages shown include an alphabetical index covering terms such as Antichrist, Ethiopia, Egypt and the soul. Another page explains how Hebrew comparative expressions work and cites Genesis 19. I would welcome any information on Westhemerus, the significance of “Aethiops” in Reformation-era biblical study, or surviving Steelsius editions.

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