Histoire Critique du Vieux Testament [Bound with] Réponse de Pierre Ambrun Ministre du Saint Evangile, a l'Histoire Critique du Vieux Testament

Amsterdam: Pour la Compagnie des Libraires, 1685. Very Good. Amsterdam: Pour la Compagnie des Libraires, 1685. Nouvelle Edition. Two volumes bound in one; quarto (24.5cm.); full contemporary parchment, gilt-lettered spine label; [40],667,[43]; 48pp. (collated complete); woodcut printer's device on both title pages, initials throughout. Ex-seminary with small shelf labels to spine foot and front free endpaper as well as rubber-stamp to title page, parchment a bit rubbed and soiled, two gatherings quite browned, else a Very Good, fresh and sound example.

Significant and controversial study of the Old Testament by the French priest and Oratorian Richard Simon (1638-1712). Originally published in Paris after having past the censors, Simon's argument that Moses could not have been the author of most of the works attributed to him gained the attention of Jacques-Benigne Bossuet, tutor of the Dauphin, who obtained a decree from the Royal Council. Subsequently the entire first printing was seized and burned. Undeterred, the work travelled north and went through several substantial printings in Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

This copy bound with the response of Pierre Ambrun, referencing the Rotterdam edition published by Reinier Leers.