Religion

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”]."

Bryant, Jacob

A New System, or, an Analysis of Ancient Mythology: Wherein an Attempt is made to divest Tradition of Fable; and to reduce the Truth to its Original Purity. [Bryant’s Mythology].

London : Printed for T. Payne, Mews-Gate; P. Elmsly, in the Strand; B. White, in Fleet-Street; and J. Walter, Charing-Cross, 1774-1776.

First edition of Bryant’s Mythology, one of the most ambitious eighteenth-century attempts to reconcile classical mythology with biblical and historical truth. Royal quarto, three volumes bound in full period calf, rebacked, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spines in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling and scrolling toContinue reading "A New System, or, an Analysis of Ancient Mythology: Wherein an Attempt is made to divest Tradition of Fable; and to reduce the Truth to its Original Purity. [Bryant’s Mythology]."

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."