SIMON, Richard.

Lot 1229
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Estimation :
2000 - 3000 EUR
SIMON, Richard.
Critical history of the Old Testament. Following the copy printed in Paris [Amsterdam, D. Elzevier], 1680. In-4 (207 x 147 mm) of 15 ff.n.ch., 612 pp.; basane, spine spine decorated with nerves, speckled edges (contemporary binding). The first complete Elzevirienne edition, the original, printed in Paris by the widow Billaine in 1678, was seized by order of the chancellor. Richard Simon, priest of the Oratory in the 17th century, was condemned by the Catholic Church. He reveals the heritage of Jewish reading, discusses questions of translation and writing, offers a historical critique of the texts, pleading for an interpretation based on reason, science and tolerance. PRESTIGIOUS PROVENANCE This copy belonged to Jean Racine and bears his signature in brown ink on the title. Bonnefon, in his article on Racine's library (Revue d'histoire litteraire de la France, Ve annee, pp. 169sq.) indicates the passages of this copy on public sale and in bookshops in 1862 (Bibliotheque d'Ortigue) and 1872 (libraire L. Potier). Very restored binding; small glass work very slightly touching the text. Willems, 1589; Bonnefon, La Bibliothèque de Racine, XCVII.
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