Collectif - Satyre Menippée - 1752

Satire Menippée on the Virtue of the Catholicon of Spain, and on the conduct of the Estates of Paris, to which is added a Discourse on the interpretation of the word Higuerio del Infierno, and who is its Author. More the Complaint on the death of the Thief Knight of a Lady, who died during the Siege of Paris. Latest Edition, divided into three volumes, enriched with Copperplate Portraits, increased with new Remarks & several Pieces, which serve to prove & illuminate the most difficult passages, with very ample Tables of Contents. At Regensburg, in the House of Matthias Kerner’s Heirs, 1752. By Passerat, Jean (1534-1602) - Pithou, Pierre (1539-1596) - Rapin, Nicolas (1539-1608) - Le Roy, Loys (1510?-1577) - Chrestien, Florent (1541-1596) - Gillot, Jacques (1550?-1619). 3 volumes in 8vo, 11.6 x 18.5 cm of [10]-xxxvi-464-[28]p. —[6]-522-[38]p. — [4]-585-[35]p. Contemporary leather binding in havana calf with marbling, spine divided into 5 nerves, lozenges with gilded flowers in the compartments, title pieces in red morocco and volume numbering in green morocco, edges decorated with a gold filet, all edges red, mark “à la sphère” on the title of the 3 volumes, headbands and tailpieces, initials, bookmarks, notes in the margins, table of contents at the end of each volume. Fine edition copied from the 1709 edition. 5 engravings including 2 folding (Procession of the League) copper-engraved. Small loss to the title piece of vol. 2 and head cap rubbed, superficial scratches on the first board of vol. 3, 5 corners worn, others rubbed, missing the frontispiece, overall well preserved, fresh interior, paper and engravings in very good condition. Please study the photos carefully; they are an integrant part of the description. Satyre Ménippée, one of the most famous pamphlets of the late 16th century, is a major work of the French Renaissance, composed by several authors, including Pierre Leroy and Nicolas Rapin. Published in 1594, it is distinguished by its political and social satire and its caustic humor. Its full title, “Satyre Ménippée de la Vertu du Catholicon d’Espagne et de la tenue des Estats de Paris,” announces the scope of its argument. The work constitutes a virulent attack on the Estates General convened by the League in 1593 to elect a king of Catholic France. It has been considered, not without debate, as one of the factors that favored Henri de Navarre’s accession to the throne. Satyre Ménippée mocks contemporary political events, especially the Catholic League and the Wars of Religion, while denouncing the excesses and abuses of power. It is also distinguished by its original style, blending prose and verse, and by its inventive use of the French language. Its influence on political and satirical literature in France has been considerable, and the work remains studied today for its vivacity and erudition.