Pagina 22 - Catalogus nr 6.indd

[ 20 ] SAVONAROLA, Girolamo (1452-1498). De simplicitate vitae christianae, aureus liber, noviter
recognitus. [Colophon: Venezia, Bernardino de’ Viani, 1533]. 8vo. 63 lvs.With woodcut on the title
page and several decorated woodcut initial letters. Later half leather with marbled paper-covered
boards. 1.800,-
Latin edition of Savonarola’s treatise on the simplicity of the Christian life. Savonarola, an Italian Dominican friar
and preacher active in Renaissance Florence, was known for his call for Christian renewal. Although his role as a
forerunner of the reformation is disputed, it shouldbe noted that Lutherwrote a commendatory preface to an edition
of his prisonmeditations and that Savonarola’s critique of the papacy as well as his Christocentric and fideistic ideas
appealed to many readers in Protestant regions. The common theme running through the whole of Savonarola’s
pastoral ministry is the desire to return to apostolic simplicity and to base his teaching on the Scriptures, which is
exemplified in his treatise above. De simplicitate vitae christianae was first published in Latin in 1496 and appeared in
many editions and translations. - Lower margin stained throughout, some browning, and last blank leaf missing.
Giovannozzi 52; Adams S 479.