Amphitheatrum
A very fine copy preserved in its morocco binding by Derome le jeune, from the libraries of Baron de Caule and Mortimer L. Schiff, with ex-libris.
Vanini (1585-1619), spiritual companion of Giordano Bruno and Campanella.
Breviary of atheism that resulted in its author being burned alive.
Beautiful copy preserved in its morocco binding by Derome le jeune
from the libraries of Baron de Caule and Mortimer L. Schiff, with bookplates.
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First edition of this atheistic incendiary work by Vanini, which led to its author being arrested and burned alive with his tongue cut out at the age of 34.
Peignot, Livres condamnés, II, 174; Dorbon 5060; Caillet 11,028; Thordike VI, 568-573; Choix 13621; Cat. Libr. Jammes, Le Bûcher bibliographique, no. 679; Jammes, Cat. Libertins érudits, no. 383; Pintard, Libertinage érudit, p. 20.
“This work contributed to the author’s conviction and capital punishment” (Brunet, V, I-75).
This enigmatic philosopher is sometimes compared to Giordano Bruno or Campanella both for their innovative minds and their destinies as martyrs.
“This impious man whose blasphemous howling, echoing through the years, seems to have shaken the hearts of the faithful even to the devout peak of Louis XIV’s reign, filled the defenders of the faith with terror and struck, as a threat in their prudent retreat, the unbelievers. The Amphitheatrum, more than a breviary of atheism, is a survey of the different systems and an invaluable document on the state of speculation at the beginning of the seventeenth century” (Pintard).
“Extremely rare” (Dorbon & Caillet).
“Almost impossible to find… one of the most violent treatises on atheism” (Bibliotheca esoterica, 6685).
Born near Naples, Vanini studied philosophy and theology in Rome, Naples, and Padua, while also pursuing medicine, physics, astronomy, astrology, law…
He entered holy orders and traveled through Europe spreading a doctrine that evolved toward atheism.
He quickly became the most fashionable figure at the court of Marie de Médicis and Concini, sharing this glory with his Neapolitan poet friend, the cavalier Marin.
Having come to Paris and then Toulouse, he was arrested there. Convicted of atheism, blasphemy, witchcraft, and corruption of morals, he was sentenced to have his tongue cut out and to be burned on February 9, 1619, in Toulouse.
Provenance: library of Baron de Caule, with bookplate; library of the Auchincruive estate and Mortimer L. Schiff, with bookplate.
