Dialogo della vigilia, et del sonno del magnifico signore Ugoni, gentilhuomo Bresciano [Ensemble] Ragionamento [Ensemble] Discorso della dignita & eccellenza della gran citta di Venetia

First edition, rare, of these three editions, functioning as 3 distinct parts of a single work (the signature of the gatherings indeed links the parts together; it happens however that one finds certain texts in isolation). 3 title pages with the printer's device of the cockerel.
Early 20th century full vellum binding. Smooth spine with title in pen in red and black. Stains and soiling. Good copy, very fresh.
The philosophical dialogue of waking and sleep bears witness to a relatively pessimistic and skeptical vision, typical of the Reformed vision. Ugoni was indeed Protestant and his perception of man and the world are unquestionably its reflection. The impossibility of distinguishing between the waking state and that of sleep reflects the indetermination of our knowledge, necessarily destined for illusion, man wandering in a world of shadows. The dialogue reprimands man for having been too audacious in trying to understand what has been forbidden by God; man would waste his time trying to uncover what is by definition beyond his understanding and his reach. God allows man to understand what is necessary for the preservation of his body and his soul, the rest belongs to God. However, man must not therefore abandon himself to his senses, quite to the contrary is it imperative for him to cultivate the qualities of his mind, in accordance with God's designs, God having given man the gift of reason. The weakness of human knowledge is constantly repeated in the dialogue, as is the existence of a metaphysics.
The author was condemned for heresy by the tribunal of Venice in 1565, and it is thought that his nobility spared him a death sentence. The discourse on Venice would be an attempt to soften too severe a judgment.
Bookplate Eug. D. Forgues. Parisiis. 1921.