Les Antiquitez et Singularitez du Monde . . .
Lyon: Benoist Rigaud, 1578. First Lyon edition, evidently preceded by two Paris editions of 1577 (and a lost Paris edition of 1547). 2 vols bound in 1, 16mo (4.5 x 3.25 inches), 18th century calf, 337, [1], [2]; 43, [1] pages. Hinges cracked, corners rubbed, somewhat stained; a few flaws to a few leaves but collated complete. A good copy. Item #22574
The Couillard is a synopsis of Biblical biography, cosmology, and history; he suggests it was Noah who discovered America. Couillard is perhaps best remembered for his Les contredicts aux faulses et abbusifves propheties de Nostradamus et autres astrologues (1560), which may explain why bound here in the rear is a fugitive curious separate work that may lack prelims but has the caption title, Presages emerveillable pour XX ans. Aportez de l’autre monde en celuy-cy par le Sieur Godard, Gentil homme Poicteuin, grand Astronome, Disciple de Nostradamus, surnommé passe partout, le dernier Septembre 1611. The so-called predictions are all risible and absurd, and at times ribald, and all tending toward lampooning astrological pronouncements: “Durant lesdits vignt années ceux qui mourront en leur adolescence n’auront jamais la barbe blanche, & les femmes auront plus de poil à leur Salemigondy que non pas au menton,” etc. USTC 34361 (Couillard).
Price: $950.00