Anonyme - Apologie des dévots de la Sainte Vierge, ou Les sentimens de Théotime sur le libelle intitulé Les - 1675

Apology of the devotees of the Holy Virgin, or Théotime's opinions on the pamphlet titled The Salutary Advice of the Blessed Virgin to Her Indiscreet Devotees.
Brussels, at François Foppens, bookseller & printer, 1675 (M.DC.LXXV).
Finished printing on February 20, 1675.
In-8.
Original edition of this controversial Marian treatise, published in the context of the intense theological controversies of the second half of the 17th century surrounding the worship of the Virgin, the notion of 'indiscreet devotion,' and accusations of superstition made by both strict Catholics and Protestant authors.
The work addresses point by point the title 'The Salutary Advice of the Blessed Virgin,' defending an orthodox Marian devotion guided by Scripture and tradition, and explicitly rejecting any superstitious or idolatrous deviation.
The Index of Subjects attests to an in-depth treatment of sensitive issues: penance and impenitence, refuge of sinners, scriptural interpretation (Isaiah, Ecclesiasticus), apparitions, revelations, graces and privileges of the Holy Virgin, as well as the polemical use of these themes in confessional debates.
The work is provided with an official approval from the doctors of theology of the Faculty of Leuven, dated Brussels, January 15, 1675, signed by J. Mons, J. Roussel, and G. Faget, guaranteeing its full conformity to Catholic doctrine.
Collation: completion of the title to the print finish; continuous pagination up to p. 431.
A special copy enriched with an ancient handwritten note (late 17th or early 18th century) inscribed on a guard, written by an erudite reader. This annotation summarizes and defends the thesis of the work, specifies that it opposes accusations made by a Protestant author (German jurist), and emphasizes that the author does not promote superstitions but, on the contrary, aims to correct abuses and serve conversion. A contemporary reading testimony of genuine historical and intellectual interest.

Modest period binding (sheepskin), with normal wear; well-preserved internally, healthy paper with foxing and browning from use, without missing parts or damage.

A work representing the major religious controversies of the 17th century, sought after for the history of Marian piety, anti-Jansenist and anti-Protestant debates, and for the Brussels impressions of François Foppens.
The presence of the handwritten annotation significantly enhances the bibliophilic and historical interest of this copy.