An exceptionally scarce, early biography of Michael Servetus [1511-1553], the Spanish theologian and polymath who was convicted of heresy in France, fled to Geneva, and was there denounced by John Calvin and publicly burned at the stake.
Servetus was a genuine polymath who achieved some reputation as a theologian, philosopher, physician, cartographer, astronomy, pharmacology, and more. He was the first person to accurately describe the pulmonary function of the heart [1553] and was a man of renowned learning.
Calvin's role in the death of Servetus [and of Servetus' mental state] are still very much up for debate, and the present is one of the very earliest works on the subject. Scarce, with no copies available world-wide.
Chauffpie, Jaques George de. Jayes Yair [Trans.]. The Life of Servetus. London: Printed for the Author, and sold by R. Baldwin, at No. 47. in Pater-Noster-Row. 1771. 212pp.
Original calf, some rubbing, but very attractive and sound; surface breaches at hinges. Text very clean and crisp. A very nicely preserved copy, an important addition to any John Calvin or Reformation collection, and nearly unobtainable.
