Circa 1641-72. 12mo. Full burgundy morocco, elaborately stamped in gilt with the coat of arms and galero of Italian Cardinal Rinaldo d'Este (1618-72), black morocco inlays, front board detached, but present, extremities and boards rubbed, scattered chipping, clasps perished; lined in green silk; old cataloguer's slip laid inside: "This book box was formerly the property of His Eminence, Cardinal Prince de Rohan..."

Book from the library of d'Este, sometime turned into a book box.

Cardinal Rinaldo d'Este was born in Modena, Northern Italy, son to Alfonso III d'Este, Duke of Modena (1591-1644), and Isabella of Savoy (1591-1626), and was the brother of Francesco I d'Este, Duke of Modena (1610-58). He was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) in 1641 at the request of Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand III (1608-57). In the College of Cardinals d'Este was a leader in the French faction against the Spanish faction, a stormy relationship that on one occasion led to outright conflict with the Admiral of Castile. In 1650 he was elected Bishop of Emilia Reggia and participated in the Papal Conclaves in the years 1655, 67, and 69-70 that, respectively, saw the election of Popes Alexander VII (1599-1667), Clement IX (1600-69), and Clement X (1590-1676). He often returned to Modena to rule as Regent in his brother's absence.