First editions of both volumes. Rare gathering of these two works in uniform binding. Printed in 2 columns.
Contemporary full mottled brown sheep binding. Spine with raised bands, decorated. Brown sheep title label. Defects first volume: Headcap torn away, joints split at tail, 3 corners bumped, dampstain on upper cover. Second volume: Lack at head, upper joint split, tailcap torn away, lower joint split at tail, dampstains on lower cover, 2 corners bumped, strip of leather torn away on lower cover. Lacking marbled endpapers before half-title and at end. Both volumes very fresh overall. Blue stamp on title pages: Institution Pelletin or Felletin. Manuscript ex libris S. Petri Exdronensis.
Father Richard Simon, an Oratorian, is considered the founder of modern biblical exegesis. This recognition was even affirmed by the Church in 1993. In 1678, he published his Critique du vieux testament, which after being severely criticized by both Bossuet and Nicole, ended up on the Index in 1683. The publication of this work only exacerbated the tensions that Simon had ignited against himself among all religious congregations through his new reading of biblical texts; never partisan, he questioned the Bible with knowledge of sources as had never been done before.
In the first work, Simon discusses the origin and character of the different books that compose the New Testament. In the second work on versions of the New Testament, Simon examines the different translations and the manner in which the most difficult passages were rendered.