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Wed 19 Jun

Pierre CHARRON. Wisdom. Book three. In-8, blond calf, nicely decorated smooth spine ( 19th century binding). Brunet, I-1810 // Cioranescu, 6436 // Tchemerzine-Scheler, II-253. (10f.)-772-(4f.) / ã8, ē2, A-Z8, Aa-Zz8, Aaa-Bbb8, Ccc4 / 93 x 159 mm. First edition of Pierre Charron's most important work. Born in Paris in 1541, Pierre Charron spent some time at the bar before studying theology, which promised him a more lucrative career. His eloquence soon won him a high position in the clergy, and Queen Marguerite, wife of Henri IV, appointed him as her preacher. He formed a close friendship with Montaigne, whose most eminent disciple he became. Notwithstanding his status as prelate, it was in his De la sagesse (On Wisdom), where he gave his all, displaying a skepticism that earned him the distrust of the Church, and particularly the Jesuits. The author's epicurean instincts are evident on every page of his writings... The sentiments he expresses would have had him burned at the stake a few centuries earlier (Larousse). He died in 1603. De la sagesse, although fiercely attacked by theologians as soon as it was published, was nevertheless reprinted many times. It contains a remarkable depiction of the miseries and weaknesses of the human race, as well as a wealth of maxims and advice for living. This original edition contains several passages deleted or corrected in the edition published in Paris in 1604 shortly after the author's death. Small brown spot at foot of spine. Provenance: Collegii Catalaunensis Soc. Jes. (handwritten bookplate on title).

Estim. 600 - 800 EUR