Leon XIII - Index Librorum Prohibitorum - 1894

Catalogue of books judged unsuitable for reading by Catholics published under the pontificate of Leo XIII in 1894.

From that point on, the idea of an “official” catalog of books censored by the Catholic Church takes shape, with the first Index librorum prohibitorum, which, published in 1559, was followed in 1564 by a second edition. To ensure the permanence of this publication meant to be updated, the Congregation of the Index was established in 1571, and it was entrusted to the Vatican Typography to expand it, correct it, and edit it. The list of books and authors censored over the centuries is impressive, ranging from Luther and Calvin’s writings to those of Copernicus, Hobbes, Diderot, Descartes, Rousseau, Kant, Bruno, Pascal, Dumas and Renan. Note that, over time, some names will be expurgated, as will be the case in 1757 for Copernicus and Galileo."} }`? Wait final must be valid JSON with only one key. Ensure I don't include extraneous characters. Remove backticks. Also ensure no stray characters. Let's output clean. The previous includes a stray } at end. I'll provide proper JSON. Remove the trailing }. Let's craft final.

More progressive than his predecessors, Pope Leo XIII reforms by loosening the rules governing censorship, and the new Index during his pontificate is greatly lightened, even though 4,000 books are still listed there. Works condemned before 1600 no longer appear on it, as well as many prohibitions that are no longer considered legitimate or appropriate.

Good copy. Paperback as originally issued with the printed cover. Not trimmed.
In good condition, cover a little creased and corner-worn, spine creased. Paper normally yellowed, with no foxing.
Handwritten ex-libris on the front cover.


Index of Prohibited Books of Our Most Holy Lord Leo XIII... with an appendix up to 1894.
Turin, Pontifical Typographia, Petri Marietti, 1894
in-12 (18.5 x 11.5 cm); xlviii + 444 pp