Damnatae Theses AB Alex. VII. Innoc. XI., & Alexandro VIII. – Domenico Viva

Damnatae Theses AB Alex. VII. Innoc. XI., & Alexandro VIII. By Domenico Viva. Patavii (Padova): Ex Typographia Seminarii Apud Joannem Manfrè, 1711.

Full Title: Damnatae Theses. Ab Alex. VII., Innoc. XI., & Alexandro VIII. Necnon Jansenii. Ad Theologicam Trutinam Revocatae Juxta Pondus Sanctuarii. In qua Michaelis Baji, Michaelis de Molinos, aliaeque Theses superiore feculo profligatae in calce operis (.). Pars prima de XLV. Thesibus Proscriptis ab Alexandro VII. Opus dicatum Philippo Bernulaldo Ursino.

In Latin language. Published by Ex Typographia Seminarii Apud Joannem Manfrè, Patavii (Padova) (1711). Third Edition. Illustrated. Size 9 ¼ x 6 ¾ in. Three volumes in one tome. Complete. A scarce and very attractive copy of “Damnatae Theses,” by Domenico Viva. Vellum binding over paper boards with even soiling and moderate wear. Hinges excellent. Spine with title elegantly by hand. Front end papers missing lower right corner. Text block is especially well-preserved internally. Very nice portrait engraving of Philippus Ursinus Gravinae. A hint of browning and minor foxing throughout, which is to be expected. Previous owner’s bookplate on front pastedown. A handsomely bound copy in very good+ condition, showing no serious wear. Early editions are not commonly seen in the marketplace.

Domenico Viva (1648 – 1726) was an Italian Jesuit theologian. After entering the Naples province of the Society of Jesus in 1663, he spent the major part of his active life as a teacher. His subjects ranged from the humanities and Greek in his early years, to philosophy for nine years and moral and dogmatic theology for eight years each. The latter part of his life was spent in administration. He was prefect of studies for two years, rector of the College of Naples, and then provincial. His writings include “Enchiridion”, which is primarily concerned with indulgences and published in connection with the “Holy Year” jubilee (Naples, 1699). He also wrote three books for students: a dogmatic theology text, compiled from his lectures at the College of Naples; “Opuscula theologico-moralia”; and a textbook for moral theology. These latter works are highly regarded and are quoted by such men as St. Alphonsus Liguori and Claude Lacroix. Viva’s most well-known work, “Damnatae theses ab Alexandro VII …”, was published in three volumes (Naples 1708). These list propositions condemned by three 17th-century popes: 45 by Alexander VII, 65 by Innocent XI, 39 by Alexander VIII, as well as five propositions from the Augustinus of Jansenius.

OCB9408