Rare book 16th Century, Treatise on Church Councils by Guillaume Durand, Paris, 1545.

Rare book 16th Century, Treatise on Church Councils by Guillaume Durand, Paris, 1545. An important and influential theological and canonical work, originally composed in 1311 by Guillaume Durand the Younger (also known as William Durandus), this edition was printed in Paris in 1545 by Poncet Le Preux. It is the second edition of the work, the first having appeared in 1531. The Tractatus de modo generalis Concilii celebrandi (“Treatise on the General Manner of Celebrating a Council”) was written at the request of Pope Clement V as a fundamental guide to organizing ecumenical councils, particularly the Council of Vienne (1311–1312). This 1545 edition was reissued on the eve of the Council of Trent, and dedicated to Pope Paul III, as a significant contribution to ongoing ecclesiastical reform discussions. The treatise outlines the proper canonical procedures for convening and conducting church councils, drawing heavily on the authority of Church Fathers, historical precedent, and canon law. Durand's work includes not only procedural rules but also vehement critiques of clerical corruption and specific reform proposals—most notably the radical proposal that no pope should be allowed to create or alter laws without the approval of a general council, and that such councils should be held regularly every ten years. Pages: 243. Binding: Modern marbled boards with gilt-titled leather spine label; very good condition. Language: Latin. A rare and significant example of 16th-century Catholic theological literature, with high scholarly value for collectors of early printed books, ecclesiastical history, and canon law. Size 17x11x2cm.