Sale, George. [Translator]

The Koran: Commonly Called The Alcoran of Mohammed: Translated From The Original Arabic. With Explanatory Notes, Taken From the Most Approved Commentators. To Which is Prefixed, A Preliminary Discourse.

London : Printed by C. Ackers for J. Wilcox, 1734.

First edition in English of George Sale’s important translation of the Koran, the first to translate directly from the Arabic into English. Quarto, bound in full contemporary speckled calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, sympathetically rebacked, gilt turn-ins, all edgesContinue reading "The Koran: Commonly Called The Alcoran of Mohammed: Translated From The Original Arabic. With Explanatory Notes, Taken From the Most Approved Commentators. To Which is Prefixed, A Preliminary Discourse."

Shahn, Ben

Haggadah for Passover.

The Trianon Press : Paris, 1966.

Signed limited edition of Lithuanian-born American artist Ben Shahn’s magnificently illustrated retelling of the Haggadah for Passover. Large folio, original wrappers, gilt titles to the front panel, loose leaves as issued, illustrated by Shaun with 21 color pictorial borders and line drawings and an additional double-page color lithograph also signed by him. One of onlyContinue reading "Haggadah for Passover."

[Richard M. Nixon]

The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues and with the Former Translations Diligently Compared. Commonly Known as the Authorized (King James) Version.

Nashville, TN : The Gideons International, 1974.

The 1974 edition of the Gideon Bible used to swear in President Richard M. Nixon before his voluntary deposition to the Watergate Special Prosecution Force on June 23, 1975, the only sworn testimony Nixon provided in connection with the Watergate proceedings. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth, pictorial endpapers. Presentation copy, inscribed by Nixon on the frontContinue reading "The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues and with the Former Translations Diligently Compared. Commonly Known as the Authorized (King James) Version."

Eliot, T.S

Ash-Wednesday.

New York : The Fountain Press Inc./London Faber & Faber Ltd, 1930.

Signed limited edition of T. S. Eliot’s classic “conversion poem.” Octavo, original cloth decorated in gilt, top edge gilt. One of six hundred numbered copies, this is number 151. Boldly signed by T.S. Eliot on the colophon. In near fine condition. Housed in the publisher’s original cardboard slipcase which is in very good condition. AContinue reading "Ash-Wednesday."

Peterson, Eugene H

The Message: The Bible In Contemporary Language.

Colorodo : Navpress, 2002.

First edition of the Message translation of the Bible. Octavo, original boards. Presentation copy, lenghthily inscribed by Eugene Peterson on the front free endpaper, who has written out the opening verse of Genesis, “For Douglas – ‘First this: God created the heavens and the earth- all you see, all you don’t see. Earth was aContinue reading "The Message: The Bible In Contemporary Language."

The Thirde Parte of the Bible, Conteining These Bookes. The Psalter. The Proverbes. Ecclesiastes. Cantica Canticorum. The Prophetes.

London : Henry Bynneman and Richard Jugge for William Norton, 1575.

Rare 16th century English printing of a portion of the Bishop’s Bible. Quarto, bound in 18th century half calf over marbled boards, gilt ruling to the spine, paper titular label to the front panel, title page printed within a wide woodcut compartmental border featuring and angel above the date of publication in the upper compartmentContinue reading "The Thirde Parte of the Bible, Conteining These Bookes. The Psalter. The Proverbes. Ecclesiastes. Cantica Canticorum. The Prophetes."

Siddur Avodat Israel with English Translation.

Tel-Aviv : Sinai Publishing, 1967.

Rare elaborately bound Jewish Siddur prayer book. Small octavo, bound in full silver metal with elaborate tooling to the spine and panels, inlaid turquoise decorations to the front panel, patterned enpdapers, ribbon bound in. English translation facing the Hebrew text. In fine condition. Presentation bookplate to the pastedown. An elaborate presentation.

Lewis, C.S

Transposition and Other Addresses.

London : Geoffrey Bles, 1949.

First edition of this compilation of addresses by Lewis. Octavo, original wrappers. In near fine condition with light rubbing.

Szyk, Arthur

Haggadah.

Massadah & Alumoth : Jerusalem & Tel Aviv, 1962.

First Hebrew and English translation of this wonderfully illustrated in work by Arthur Szyk. Quarto, publisher’s embossed metal binding with hinged joints, illustrated throughout, English translation printed in black and brick red. The Hebrew text is surrounded by beautiful color illuminations. Edited by Cecil Roth. In near fine condition.

Mather, Cotton

Reverend Cotton Mather Autograph Manuscript of a Sermon.

[Boston] n.d. [1685–1723].

Rare late 17th to early 18th century autograph manuscript of a sermon or devotional essay in the hand of the “first American Evangelical” Puritan clergyman Cotton Mather. Duodecimo, comprising two bifolia prepared from a folded and cut sheet of paper to a total of 8 pages, penned in dark brown ink, very densely written (asContinue reading "Reverend Cotton Mather Autograph Manuscript of a Sermon."

Wiesel, Elie. [Herman Wouk]

Messengers of God: Biblical Portraits and Legends.

New York : Random House, 1976.

First edition of this collection of portraits exploring the lives of key biblical figures. Octavo, original publisher’s half cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author in the year of publication on the half-title page, “For Herman Wouk – in friendship, Marion and Elie Wiesel May 9, 1976.” Herman Wouk was a novelist, playwright, and essayistContinue reading "Messengers of God: Biblical Portraits and Legends."

Lewis, C.S

The Four Loves.

London : Geoffrey Bles, 1960.

First edition of this influential theological work in which C. S. Lewis examines the nature of human affection, friendship, eros, and charity, exploring their distinctions and their relation to divine love. Octavo, original cloth. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by Michael Harvey. A nice example.

Wiesel, Elie

Souls on Fire: Portraits and Legends of Hasidic Masters.

New York : Random House, 1972.

First edition of this exploration of Hasidism, focusing on the tales, legends, and portraits of its 18th and 19th-century masters. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth, top stain maroon, cartographic endpapers. Presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author on the half-title page and signed in English and Hebrew, “For Maurine and Stanley Kessler – in these daysContinue reading "Souls on Fire: Portraits and Legends of Hasidic Masters."

Wiesel, Elie; Mark Podwal

A Passover Haggadah.

New York : A Touchstone Book / Simon & Schuter Inc, 1993.

First edition of this traditional Passover text paired with Wiesel’s poetic commentary. Octavo, original publisher’s half-cloth, illustrated throughout. Presentation copy, inscribed by Wiesel on the front free endpaper, “For Nick and Judy Hag sameach, Elie Wiesel.” Fine in a fine dust jacket. As commented upon by Elie Wiesel. Illustrated by Mark Podwal. Jacket design byContinue reading "A Passover Haggadah."

Bamberger, Rabbi Dr. S.; Rabbi Dr. S. Adler; Rabbi Dr. L.C. Lilienthal

The Soul of Life: A Collection of Speeches, Sermons, Laws, and Regulations Pertaining to the Jewish Religion.

New York : P. Friedman, 1897.

First edition of this work about the Jewish religion. Duodecimo, original cloth with gilt titles, floral endpapers. In very good condition wear to the spine.

Wells, H.G

Mr. Belloc Objects to “The Outline of History”.

London : Watts & Co., 1926.

First British edition of Wells’ polemical defense of The Outline of History against Hilaire Belloc’s criticisms. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth, illustrated. From the collection of British science fiction author Christopher Priest. Priest’s most famous works include The Inverted World (1974), the interconnected “Dream Archipelago” series, and The Prestige (1995), which was adapted into the 2006Continue reading "Mr. Belloc Objects to “The Outline of History”."

Wiesel, Elie; Mark Podwal

A Passover Haggadah.

New York : A Touchstone Book / Simon & Schuter Inc, 1993.

First edition of this traditional Passover text paired with Wiesel’s poetic commentary. Octavo, original publisher’s half-cloth, illustrated throughout. Presentation copy, inscribed by illustrator Mark Podwal with an original drawing of a Torah on the front free endpaper, “For Isman Schorsch, Many Happy Passovers, Mark Podwal.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket. As commented uponContinue reading "A Passover Haggadah."

Pagels, Elaine H.

The Johannine Gospel in Gnostic Exegesis: Heracleon’s Commentary on John.

Nashville & New York : Abingdon Press, 1973.

First edition of this comprehensive study examining how Gnostic texts interpret the Gospel of John. Octavo, original boards. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page. Fine in a near fine price-clipped dust jacket.

Ethiopian Coptic Ge’ez Bible.

Ethiopia C. 18th Century.

Rare Ethiopian Coptic Ge’ez Bible. Octodecimo, bound with twine between two wood blocks, parchment manuscript in black and red ink. The book measures 4 inches in height by inches 6 in width. Annotations in pen to the front and rear end leaves.

Kazantzakis, Nikos

Ο Χριστός Ξανασταυρώνεται. [Christ Recrucified].

Athens : Δίφρος [Difros], 1950.

First Greek edition of one of Kazantzakis’s most important novels, first published in Swedish in 1948. Octavo, bound in full cloth with red cloth spine labels lettered in gilt, patterned endpapers. Presentation copy, signed and inscribed and dated by Kazantzakis on the half-title page. In near fine condition. Rare and desirable signed by Kazantzakis.

Saint Augustine

Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives.

London : George Eld, 1610.

First edition in English of Augustine’s monumental work. Translated by John Healey. Folio, bound in full contemporary English panelled calf with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, central ornament tooled in gold to the front and rear panels, rebacked. Decorative woodcut head-pieces and decorative and woodcut initials, including three twelve-lineContinue reading "Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives."

Edwards, Jonathan

A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections. In Three Parts.

Elizabeth-Town, NJ : Printed by Shepard Kollock, for Robert Hodge, 1787.

Early edition of Edwards’ Great Awakening classic. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within raised bands. In very good condition with wear, bookplates to the front pastedown, signature to the title page.

Young, Brigham

Brigham Young Autograph Letter Signed.

1870.

Rare autograph letter signed by Brigham Young regarding passage through Utah for botanist Edward Palmer. One page, handwritten on blue-lined paper. The letter reads in full, “Salt Lake City, U.T. 27 May 1870 To Elder Thomas Collister, Bishop of Fillmore and the bishops of the various settlements between that city and St. George. Dear Brethren:Continue reading "Brigham Young Autograph Letter Signed."

Calvin, John. Translated from the French by Thomas Stocker

Two and twentie Sermons of Maister John Calvin. In which Sermons is most religiously handled, the hundredth and nineteenth Psalme of David, by eight verses aparte according to the Hebrewe alphabet.

London : [Printed by Thomas Dawson] For John Harison and Thomas Man, 1580.

Scarce first edition in English of this collection of John Calvin’s sermons. Octavo, bound in full levant morocco with gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling and central gilt arabesques to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins, wide typographical borderContinue reading "Two and twentie Sermons of Maister John Calvin. In which Sermons is most religiously handled, the hundredth and nineteenth Psalme of David, by eight verses aparte according to the Hebrewe alphabet."

Wells, H.G

The Undying Fire: A Contemporary Novel.

London : Cassell and Company, Ltd, 1919.

First British edition of Wells’ philosophical reimagining of the Book of Job set against the moral and scientific crises of the modern world. Octavo, original publisher’s green cloth. In very good condition, signature to the front free endpaper.

Kingsley, Charles

Twenty-Five Village Sermons.

London : John W. Parker, 1849.

First edition of this collection of mid-19th-century sermons. Duodecimo, bound in three quarters  morocco over marbled boards by Tout & Sons with gilt titles and floral tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers. In near fine condition, bookplateContinue reading "Twenty-Five Village Sermons."

Thirteenth to Fifteenth Century Illuminated Book of Hours Leaf Book.

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Exceptionally rare illuminated Book of Hours leaf book, containing various illuminated leaves from several Books of Hours, most executed in France. Duodecimo, bound in full late 19th century velvet, script on vellum, illuminated. Comprised of 30 individual leaves ruled in black and red ink and culled from 5 Books of Hours, including one prayer bookContinue reading "Thirteenth to Fifteenth Century Illuminated Book of Hours Leaf Book."

Hitchens, Christopher

God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

New York : Twelve/ Hatchette Book Group, 2007.

First edition of this classic polemic by Hitchens. Octavo, original boards. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, “For Linda Heheman Christopher Hitchens.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Anne Twomey.

The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem Devotional Painting.

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Rare late 18th to early 19th-century devotional painting on panel depicting the entry of Christ into Jerusalem. Oil and tempera on thick wood panel, devotional painting in the iconographic tradition. In good condition with scattered chipping and wear.

Edwards, Jonathan

Twenty Sermons, on Various Subjects.

Edinburgh : Printed for M. Gray, 1789.

Rare early Edinburgh printing of Jonathan Edwards theological collection of sermons. Octodecimo, bound in full contemporary calf. In good condition.

Kingsley, Charles

Politics for the People.

London : John W. Parker, 1848.

First edition of this collection of essays and sermons on political reform in England. Octavo, bound in three quarters turkey morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles and floral tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers. In near fine condition with light rubbing, bookplate to theContinue reading "Politics for the People."

West, Stephen [Jonathan Edwards]

An Essay on Moral Agency: Containing Remarks on a Late Anonymous Publication, Entitled, An Examination of the Late President Edward’s Inquiry on Freedom of Will.

Salem : Printed by Thomas C. Cushing, 1794.

Second edition of this work defending Jonathan Edwards treatise Freedom of the Will. Octavo, bound in full calf with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within gilt bands, morocco spine label. In very good condition, bookplate to the front pastedown.

Spink, Kathryn. [Mother Teresa]

For the Brotherhood of Man, Under the Fatherhood of God: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Her Missionaries of Charity & Her Co-Workers.

Surrey : Colour Library International, 1981.

First edition of this work regarding Mother Teresa. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Lengthily inscribed by Mother Teresa in the year of publication on the front free endpaper, “My dear Sisters, Let us love Jesus with undivided love and others as He loves each one of us. God bless you, M. Teresa mc, 6/7/81.” Near fineContinue reading "For the Brotherhood of Man, Under the Fatherhood of God: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Her Missionaries of Charity & Her Co-Workers."

Merton, Thomas

The Seven Storey Mountain.

New York : Harcourt, Brace & World, 1948.

Early printing of the author’s classic work. Octavo, original cloth. Very good in a very good price-clipped dust jacket, bookplate to the front free endpaper.

Translated by George Sale

The Koran, Commonly Called the Alcoran of Mohammed, Translated into English Immediately from the Original Arabic; with Explanatory Notes, Taken from the Most Approved Commentators.

London : Printed by C. Ackers for J. Wilcox, 1734.

First edition of George Sale’s important translation of the Koran, the first to translate the original text directly from the Arabic into English. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf, rebacked, morocco spine label within five raised bands, folding engraved map with inset view of Mecca, engraved folding plate with plan and view of Mecca, 3Continue reading "The Koran, Commonly Called the Alcoran of Mohammed, Translated into English Immediately from the Original Arabic; with Explanatory Notes, Taken from the Most Approved Commentators."

Leeser, Issac

Discourses on the Jewish Religion.

Philadelphia : Sherman & Co, 1836.

Rare first edition of one of the ‘major builders of American Judaism’, Isaac Leeser’s Discourses on the Jewish Religion. Octavo, volume I, bound in full morocco. In very good condition with some toning throughout, Philip Sufrin & Sons Co. bookbinder’s stamp to the front pastedown, and a previous owner’s decorations to the fore edges.

Jones, James Athearn

Traditions of the North American Indians: Being a Second and Revised Edition of ‘Tales of an Indian Camp’.

London : Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, 1830.

The second and best edition of this firsthand account of Native American traditions and folklore. Duodecimo, three volumes bound in contemporary three quarter green morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, beautifully etched frontispieces by W. H. Brooke in each volume, illustrated withContinue reading "Traditions of the North American Indians: Being a Second and Revised Edition of ‘Tales of an Indian Camp’."

Illuminated Czech Prayer Book.

[Czech Republic] c. 1830.

Rare wonderfully illustrated Czech prayerbook. Duodecimo, bound in half leather over gray boards with approximately forty-five pages of added prayers appended and without all leaves before page twenty-five, illustrated with botanical decorations, calligraphic rubrics and borders ruled in red, and two full-page, had-colored illustrations of the penitent Mary Magdalene and a IHS monogram surrounded byContinue reading "Illuminated Czech Prayer Book."

Hopkins, Samuel [Jonathan Edwards]

The Life and Character of the Late Reverend, Learned, and Pious Mr. Jonathan Edwards, President of the College of New-Jersey. Together with Extracts From His Private Writings & Diary, and Also Seventeen Select Sermons on Various Important Subjects.

Northampton : Andrew Wright for S. & E. Butler, 1804.

Finely bound edition of this biographical account of Jonathan Edwards’ life, ministry, and theological contributions. Octodecimo, bound in full calf with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, morocco spine labels. In very good condition with light rubbing and toning, annotations from the previous owner in the margins toContinue reading "The Life and Character of the Late Reverend, Learned, and Pious Mr. Jonathan Edwards, President of the College of New-Jersey. Together with Extracts From His Private Writings & Diary, and Also Seventeen Select Sermons on Various Important Subjects."

The Holy Bible, Conteining the Old Testament and the New. Newly Translated out ot the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translation diligently compared and revised By his Majesties Special commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches.

Imprinted at London : Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie, 1613 [-1612].

Exceptionally rare 1613 printing of Robert Barker’s Geneva Bible. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt decorations to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt ruling and panelling to the front and rear panels with flueron cornerpieces, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, ribbon bound in. Two title pages withinContinue reading "The Holy Bible, Conteining the Old Testament and the New. Newly Translated out ot the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translation diligently compared and revised By his Majesties Special commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches."

Eliot, T.S

Ash-Wednesday.

New York : The Fountain Press Inc./London Faber & Faber Ltd, 1930.

Signed limited edition of T. S. Eliot’s classic “conversion poem.” Octavo, original cloth decorated in gilt. One of six hundred numbered copies, this is number 329. Boldly signed by T.S. Eliot on the colophon. In near fine condition, bookplate to the front pastedown. A very sharp example.

Smith, William

A Concise Dictionary of the Bible, For the Use of Families and Students.

London : John Murray, 1865.

First edition of Smith’s Concise Dictionary of the Bible. Octavo, bound in full dark green leather with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt inner dentelles, all edges gilt, illustrated throughout. Presentation copy, inscribed by former Prime Minister Arthur Balfour on the front flyleaf, “John Hewy Havadine, with all goodContinue reading "A Concise Dictionary of the Bible, For the Use of Families and Students."

Schedel, Hartmann

Liber Chronicarum. [The Nuremberg Chronicle].

Nuremberg : Anton Koberger for Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermeister, 1493.

First edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, the most extensively illustrated book of the 15th century, from the St. Petersburg library of William Tooke. Imperial folio, bound in three quarter calf over paper-covered boards, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, five gilt-tooled raised bands, rebacked, decorated with 1809 woodcut illustrationsContinue reading "Liber Chronicarum. [The Nuremberg Chronicle]."

[Burnet, Gilbert]; Collected out of Mezeray, Thuanus, and other approved Authors

A Relation of the Barbarous and Bloody Massacre of About an Hundred Thousand Protestants, Begun at Paris, and Carried on Over All France by the Papists, in the Year 1572.

London : Printed for Richard Chiswel, 1678.

First edition of this seventeenth-century Protestant account of the 1572 St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Small octavo, bound in full red morocco by Zaehnsdorf with gilt titles and elaborate tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, top edge gilt, gilt turn-ins and innerContinue reading "A Relation of the Barbarous and Bloody Massacre of About an Hundred Thousand Protestants, Begun at Paris, and Carried on Over All France by the Papists, in the Year 1572."

Kepler, Johannes

Ioannis Keppleri Mathematici, Ad Epistolam Sethi Calvisij Chronologi Responsio. Qua Perversi Sensus Verborum Euangelistae Criman Dilutiur, & in Authorem Retorquetur. [Johannes Kepler Mathematician, Response to the Letter of the Chronologist Sethus Calvisius. In Which the Accusation of a Distorted Meaning of the Words of the Gospel is Dispelled and Turned Back Upon the Author.]

Frankfurt : At the press of Godofredus Tampachius, Printed by Erasmus Kempffer, 1614.

Rare first edition of this treatise concerning the Gregorian calendar’s important dates in religious history. Octavo, limp paper boards, decorated with woodcut ornaments. In very good condition with toning and chipping. From the library of professor, astronomer, historian and bibliophile Owen Gingerich.

Translated by Rabbi Isidore Epstein

The Babylonian Talmud.

London : The Soncino Press, 1935-1952.

First complete English translation and first Soncino edition of the Babylonian Talmud, a revered and significant work of Jewish scholarship. Octavo, 52 volumes in the original publisher’s deluxe full pebbled morocco with gilt titles and raised bands to the spine, gilt Soncino Press insignia to each front panel, gilt-ruled turn-ins and inner dentelles, top edgeContinue reading "The Babylonian Talmud."

Pope John XXIII [Martin Luther King, Jr.]

Pacem in Terris: Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Pope John XXIII. [Peace on Earth].

Glen Rock, NJ : Paulist Press, 1963.

Original printed pamphlet of Pope John XXIII’s 1963 Pacem in Terris. Boldly signed by Martin Luther King, Jr. at the bottom of the title page. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 through 1968. He is bestContinue reading "Pacem in Terris: Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Pope John XXIII. [Peace on Earth]."

Apcar, Amy

Melodies of the Holy Apostolic Church of Armenia: The Liturgy as Sung in Ordinary, During Lent, and on Festivals.

Leipzig : Printed by Breitkopf & Haertel, 1920.

Second and enlarged edition of these rich chant traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Octavo, three volumes, written in English and Armenian, bound in three-quarters morocco with gilt titles to the spine, gilt cross vignette to the front panels, musical stanzas throughout. Written down in modern notation by Amy Apcar. In very good condition.

[Armenian Bible]

Girkr Astuatsashunchʿi hin ew nor Ktakaranatsʿ. [The Books of the Old and New Testaments in Armenian].

Venice : Printed at the Mekhitarist Monastery of Saint Lazarus, 1860.

Later edition of the Bible in classical Armenian. Octavo, bound in three quarters morocco with gilt titles to the spine, title page vignette. In good condition with rubbing to the spine and extremities. Translated from the original languages and carefully corrected.

Watson, Richard

An Apology for the Bible; In a Series of Letters, Addressed to Thomas Paine, Author of a book entitled The Age of Reason, Part the Second, Being and Investigation of True and of Fabulous Theology.

Philadelphia : Printed for W. Young, Mills & Son, 1796.

Rare early printing of this response to Thomas Paine’s ‘The Age of Reason.’ Duodecimo, original full leather with gilt titles and ruling to the spine. In very good condition with rubbing to the extremities, front panel, and spine, some toning throughout, a small loss to the front flyleaf, and bookplates to the front free endpaperContinue reading "An Apology for the Bible; In a Series of Letters, Addressed to Thomas Paine, Author of a book entitled The Age of Reason, Part the Second, Being and Investigation of True and of Fabulous Theology."

Medieval Gregorian Chant Manuscript.

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Rare medieval Gregorian chant manuscript on vellum with the “S” for Sanctus in elaborately illuminated in gilt. One page with text and illustrations on both the recto and verso. In very good condition. Framed with both the recto and verso visible. The manuscript measures 21.5 inches by 29.25 inches. The entire piece measures 22.25 inchesContinue reading "Medieval Gregorian Chant Manuscript."

Medieval Gregorian Chant Book.

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Rare Gregorian chant book. Elephant folio, bound in half leather over cloth boards, with sixteen pages of beautiful calligraphy of Gregorian chant on vellum. In very good condition. An exceptional presentation.

Schedel, Hartmann

Framed Leaf From The Nuremberg Chronicle.

Nuremberg : Anton Koberger, 1493.

Original leaf from the Nuremberg Chronicle, the most extensively illustrated book of the 15th century. The dates on the leaf fall within the Sixth Age, covering late antiquity and the early Middle Ages. The leaf narrates events concerning the popes of the period, beginning with Joannes Octavus (Pope John VIII, 872-882), Martinus Secundus (Pope MartinContinue reading "Framed Leaf From The Nuremberg Chronicle."

The Author W. P. [Penn, William]

The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience Once More Briefly Debated & Defended, by the Authority of Reason, Scripture, and Antiquity.

[London] 1670 [i.e. 1671].

Rare second edition of one of the most persuasive defences of liberty and “the free and uninterrupted exercise of our consciences”(William Penn). Quarto, bound in full modern morocco, gilt titles and ruling to the spine, inner dentelles elaborately stamped in blind. A powerful argument for toleration and against the intrusion of civil authority into religiousContinue reading "The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience Once More Briefly Debated & Defended, by the Authority of Reason, Scripture, and Antiquity."

Herzl, Theodor. Translated by Lotta Levensohn. Preface by Stephen S. Wise [David Ben-Gurion]

Old-New Land [“Altneuland”].

New York : Bloch Publishing Co, 1941.

First edition in English of Herzl’s classic work. Octavo, original cloth. A gifted copy accompanied by a slip from the first prime minister of the State of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, laid in, “With Compliments from D. Ben-Gurion.” David Ben-Gurion (1886–1973) and Theodor Herzl (1860–1904) were two of the most significant figures in the history ofContinue reading "Old-New Land [“Altneuland”]."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

London : Printed by Thomas Baskett, Printer to the King's most Excellent Majesty, 1751.

Elegantly bound 18th century English Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments, printed by Thomas Baskett and from the library of John Bird Sumner (1780-1862), Archbishop of Canterbury from 1848 to 1862. Folio, bound in full contemporary dark green grain morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in seven compartments within raisedContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Proper Lessons for Sundays and Other Holy-Days, and a New Version of the Psalms of David.

Oxford : Printed at the Oxford University Press, 1861.

Finely bound Oxford University printing of the Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments. Duodecimo, bound in full pebbled morocco richly decorated in gilt with gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt ruling and scrolling to the front and rear panels with a brass appliqué in hoc signoContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Proper Lessons for Sundays and Other Holy-Days, and a New Version of the Psalms of David."

Robinson, James M. [Director] [Elaine Pagels]

The Nag Hammadi Library in English.

Leiden, The Netherlands : E.J. Brill, 1977.

First edition of this collection of early Christian and Gnostic texts discovered in Egypt in 1945. Octavo, original publisher’s green cloth. Boldly signed and dated by Elaine Pagels on the half-title page, “Elaine Pagels September 23 2025.” Elaine Pagels is an American religious historian and scholar best known for her groundbreaking work on early ChristianityContinue reading "The Nag Hammadi Library in English."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. According to the Use of the Church of England. Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Oxford : Printed by the University Printers, 1701.

Rare early 18th century Book of Common Prayer in a royal binding bearing the ciphers of Queen Anne. Folio, bound in full contemporary green calf with gilt royal ciphers of Queen Anne to the spine in seven compartments within raised gilt bands, rebacked, gilt paneling and scrolling to the front and rear panels with royalContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. According to the Use of the Church of England. Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of The Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Cambridge : Printed by Joseph Bentham, Printer to the University, 1745.

Rare 18th century Book of Common Prayer, formerly used in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court. Folio, bound in full contemporary black morocco with gilt royal cyphers of King George II to the spine in seven compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling and elaborate gilt scrolling to the front and rear panels, giltContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of The Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons."

Saint Augustine

Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives. [The City of God].

London : George Eld, 1610.

Rare first edition in English of Augustine’s monumental work. Translated by John Healey. Folio, bound in full brown calf, gilt titles to the spine, morocco spine label, raised bands. Large woodcut printer’s device on title (McKerrow 375). Decorative woodcut head-pieces and decorative and woodcut initials, including three twelve-line initials. In very good condition, ownership signatureContinue reading "Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives. [The City of God]."

Apcar, Amy

Melodies of Five Offices in Holy Week According to the Holy Apostolic Church of Armenia: Being the Offices for Palm Sunday Evening for the Third, Sixth, and Tenth Hours of Holy Thursday and for the Tenth Hour of Good Friday Together with the Office for Candlemas Eve.

Leipzig : Printed by Breitkopf & Haertel, 1902.

Early edition of this rendering of sacred melodies into modern musical notation. Octavo, written in English and Armenian, bound in full brown cloth with gilt titles to the spine, gilt cross vignette to the front panel, musical stanzas throughout. Written down in modern musical notation by Amy Apcar. In good condition with rubbing and lossesContinue reading "Melodies of Five Offices in Holy Week According to the Holy Apostolic Church of Armenia: Being the Offices for Palm Sunday Evening for the Third, Sixth, and Tenth Hours of Holy Thursday and for the Tenth Hour of Good Friday Together with the Office for Candlemas Eve."

Frankl, Viktor E

The Doctor and the Soul: An Introduction to Logotherapy.

New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 1955.

First edition of Frankl’s classic work which explores topics on the meaning of life in general as well as the meaning of specific areas of one’s life, such as work and personal relationships. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, lengthily inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Mr. Stettner with the kindest regardsContinue reading "The Doctor and the Soul: An Introduction to Logotherapy."

Penney, J.C

View From the Ninth Decade: Jottings From a Merchant’s Daybook.

New York : Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1961.

First edition, third printing of this work of sage advice on the principles of business success from one of America’s most influential twentieth-century retailers. Octavo, original publisher’s half-cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Major Benjamin Namm – Best wishes sincerely JCPenney -.” The recipient, Benjamin Namm was theContinue reading "View From the Ninth Decade: Jottings From a Merchant’s Daybook."

The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and The New. Newly Translated out of the Original Tongues. And With the former Translations dilligently compared & revised. [with] The Book of Common Prayer, And Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to Use of the Church of England; Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David.

London : Printed by Charles Bill and Thomas Newcomb, Printer to the King and Queens most Excellent Majesties, 1692-1693.

Rare 17th century Holy Bible and Book of Common Prayer uniformly and exquisitely bound. Octavo, two volumes uniformly bound in full crushed levant morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling and scrolling to the front and rear panels with fleuron cornerpieces, engraved silver central ornamentContinue reading "The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and The New. Newly Translated out of the Original Tongues. And With the former Translations dilligently compared & revised. [with] The Book of Common Prayer, And Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to Use of the Church of England; Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David."

[The Bible. Translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke].

London : Robert Barker, 1605.

Rare early 17th century printing of Robert Barker’s Geneva Bible. Small quarto, bound in three quarter calf over marbled boards, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, text in black letter, double column, lacking general title-page, New Testament title-page with woodcut border, Concordances and Psalms bound in at rear [Herbert 280]. Period family ownership inscriptions andContinue reading "[The Bible. Translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke]."

Ovid [Sandys, George]

Ovid’s Metamorphosis Englished, Mythologized, And Represented in Figures. An Essay to the Translation of Virgil’s Aeneis.

London : Printed by J. L. for Andrew Hebb, 1640.

Fourth edition of George Sandys’ revered English translation of Ovid’s Metamorphosis. Folio, contemporary paneled boards, rebacked, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, illustrated with two copies of the engraved portrait of Ovid (one opposite engraved title, the other opposite the Life), engraved title page, and 15 full-page plates (one at the beginning of each book ofContinue reading "Ovid’s Metamorphosis Englished, Mythologized, And Represented in Figures. An Essay to the Translation of Virgil’s Aeneis."

Biblia Cum Concordantiis Veteris et Novi Testamenti. [The Bible with Concordances of the Old and New Testaments]. [Jerome’s Latin Vulgate].

[Lugundi] : [Jacobum Mareschal], 1527.

Rare 16th century printed seminary copy of Jerome’s Latin Vulgate. Folio, bound in full elaborately blind-stamped vellum with remains of iron clasps, all edges red, finely printed in gothic letter, title printed in red and black within woodcut borders, numerous woodcuts and woodcut initials, title and a few woodcuts hand-colored. With a Seminary library catalogContinue reading "Biblia Cum Concordantiis Veteris et Novi Testamenti. [The Bible with Concordances of the Old and New Testaments]. [Jerome’s Latin Vulgate]."

Buber, Martin

Tales of the Hasidim: The Early Masters.

London : Thames and Hudson, 1956.

Early edition of this seminal work of the Hasidic movement. Octavo, publisher’s original blue cloth with gilt titles to the spine, front panel vignette of whales stamped in gilt. Very good in a good dust jacket with damp-staining to the rear panels of both. Translated by Olga Marx.

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and With the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches.

Cambridge : Printed by John Burges Printer to the University, 1798.

Exquisitely bound 18th century Cambridge University printing of the Holy Bible. Octavo, sumptuously bound in full contemporary straight grain morocco with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt border with floral scrolling, corner medallions and fleurons to the front and rear panels, tan and blackContinue reading "The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and With the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches."

Crowley, Aleister

The Works of Aleister Crowley.

Foyers : Society For The Propagation of Religious Truth , 1905-1907.

First collected edition, “Essay Competition” issue of the collected writings of the noted occult writer. Octavo, three volumes bound into one as issued in the original publisher’s limp linen with gilt titles to the front panel, top edge gilt with others untrimmed. Boldly signed by the author on the second free endpaper, “With Mr. AleisterContinue reading "The Works of Aleister Crowley."

Ethiopian Coptic Ge’ez Bible.

Ethiopia C. 18th Century.

Rare illustrated Ethiopian Coptic Ge’ez Bible. Duodecimo, bound with twine between two wood blocks carved with ornate patterns and hand-painted miniatures to the verso of each board with depictions of the Crucifixion of Jesus and the Arrest of Jesus, parchment manuscript in black and red ink. The book measures 4.25 inches in height by inchesContinue reading "Ethiopian Coptic Ge’ez Bible."