Meor Einayim by Rabbi Azaria de Rossi - First Edition - Mantua, 1574 - Banned Upon Publication

Meor Einayim by Rabbi Azaria de Rossi - First Edition - Mantua, 1574 - Banned Upon Publication
Meor Einayim, by R. Azaria de Rossi (min HaAdumim). Mantua, 1574.
Divided into three parts: Kol Elokim (account of the earthquake in Ferrara in 1570), Hadrat Zekenim (about the Septuagint) and Imrei Bina (various essays and homiletics).
R. Azaria de Rossi (1512-1578, Otzar HaRabbanim 16731) was an Italian scholar well versed both in Torah and science. His book Meor Einayim was banned by Italian rabbis immediately after publication, the claim being it contains teachings opposing tradition and is disrespectful to the words of Chazal. The Maharal sharply criticizes the book and his book Be'er HaGolah was reputedly written in response to Meor Einayim (there are however authors who quote the book, endorsed by the Sdei Chemed).
During the controversy over the book, a condition was made with R. Azaria that six leaves (52-53, 81-82, 87-88) containing unfit ideas must be replaced, and that he print and enclose with his book the objection of R. Moshe Provençal to his words.
The present copy contains the replacement leaves, as well as two leaves of "objection" by R. Moshe Provençal, followed by four leaves with the author's "response to the objection".
Ownership inscriptions in Italian script at the top of the title page.
194 leaves. 21.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Several tears. Worming, slightly affecting title page border, repaired in part. Some censorship deletions. Inscriptions. Censorship inscription at foot of title page. Old parchment binding.