Le ciel réformé. Essai de traduction de partie du livre italien, Spaccio della bestia trionfante.

8vo: [4]-92 pp. (last blank lacking).

Binding by Derome [cfr ms. note]: red morocco, covers ruled with three gilt fillets with sm. tools in the corners, gilt decorated spine on raised bands, gilt fillet on the borders, gilt inside dentelle, gilt and marbled edges (sm. traces of use).

First edition of the translation by Louis Valentin de Vougny of the 1st part of the "primo dialogo" of Bruno's work. Published in 1584 in London during the author's stay, the "Spaccio" urges the expulsion of the "triumphant beast" (i.e. the vices of humanity). It is more particularly a criticism of Christian and Calvinist attitudes. The Italian philosopher and mathematician (1548-1600) was tried for heresy by the Roman Inquisition on charges of denial of several important Catholic doctrines (eternal damnation, the Trinity, transubstantiation...). He was burned at the stake in Rome in 1600. As an astronomer, he developped theories of an infinite universe and multiple worlds, in which he rejected the traditional geocentric astronomy. Illustrated with a vignette on title-page and with a historiated headpiece. Complete, all published. Ref. Caillet 11295. - Brunet I:1298. - Not in Dorbon. Prov. [Georges Petit].