Saeculi genius. Petro Firmiano authore.

Paris, n.pr., 1663.. 2 works in 1 volume. 12°, contemporary stiff vellum (slightly soiled), smooth spine gilt, crimson leather lettering piece (with cracks and slightly defective), gilt letter, text-block edges tinted green. Foot of title page repaired below imprint. Light browning. Overall in good to very good condition. Contemporary ink note in upper blank margin of title page identifying the author. 250 pp., (7 ll.). *** Two of the most important works by Zacharie de Lisieux (1582-1660), a very successful preacher in the reign of Louis XIII who also wrote under the name Petrus Firmianus. The Gyges gallus, first published in Paris, 1659, is a description of the psychological life of the seventeenth-century French, as observed by the author (supposedly with the aid of the ring of Gyges, which made its wearer invisible). Genius saeculi, also first published in 1659, is an attack on contemporary vices, particularly the increasing inclination to examine everything independently, rather than accepting the guidance of authority.*** Not in Brunet. Not in BMC. NUC cites a copy at NjP (calling for only 250 pp.). *** BOUND WITH:  [ZACHARIE de Lisieux]. Gyges gallus, somnia sapientis, & genius saeculi. Paris: n.pr., 1665. Mild browning. (1 l.), 574 pp., (10, 3 blank ll.).* Not in Brunet. Not in BMC. NUC cites a copy at MiU.