Zodiacus vitae is a Latin poem divided into 12 books, one for each sign of the zodiac, published at
Basel in 1537 and 1543 (3rd edition), but first published in
Venice in 1536, and dedicated to
Ercole II d'Este,
duke of Ferrara. The didactic poem addresses the subject of human happiness in connection with scientific knowledge, and combines metaphysical speculation with satirical attacks on ecclesiastical hypocrisy, and especially on the
Popes and
Martin Luther. It was translated into several languages, but fell under the ban of the
Inquisition on the ground of its rationalizing tendencies. In 1551. After Stellato's death, the Catholic Church burned his heretical bones and
Pope Paul IV placed his book in the first
Index Librorum Prohibitorum, ("Index of Prohibited Books"), in 1559.
Influence in England As a Christian humanist poet, he features strongly in the grammar-school education of 16th century England, translations including that of 1565 by
Barnabe Googe. His specific influence on
William Shakespeare has been noted especially in the
Seven ages of man speech from
As You Like It. ==See also==