Les oeuvres

First edition produced by Abbé Joly, illustrated with 4 title headpieces by Chauveau, one repeated, and historiated initials. Printer's device on title page. Translation by Lombert.
Contemporary full brown sheep binding. Richly decorated spine with raised bands. Red morocco title label. One tear at head. Head fragile; same at foot with a crack weakening the headcap.
In addition to the letters and various treatises written by Saint Cyprian, a long critical biography was written by Abbé Joly. The importance of the work of the Bishop of Carthage lies in the fact that he was not only one of the first church fathers with Saint Augustine, but that he was witness to the very first centuries of Christianity. He never ceased to profess the unity of the church and perished victim to the persecution of Christians ordered by Valerian in 258.