“A WORK OF VERY CONSIDERABLE MERIT”: JURIEU’S CRITICAL HISTORY OF RELIGION, 1704 FIRST EDITION, HANDSOMELY BOUND

JURIEU, Pierre. Histoire Critique des Dogmes et des Cultes, bons & mauvais, qui ont été dans l’Eglise depuis Adam jusquà Jesus-Christ, Ou l’on trouve l’origine de toutes les Idolatries de l’ancien Paganisme, expliquées par rapport a Celles des Juifs. Amsterdam: Francois L’Honore, 1704. Quarto, contemporary full calf gilt rebacked with elaborately gilt-decorated spine laid down, raised bands; pp. [22], 809, [31]. $1200.

First edition of Jurieu’s comparative history of religion, handsomely bound in contemporary calf gilt and with lovely engraved frontispiece of religious figures and ceremonies within decorative border.

“A very curious work, containing Jewish and Pagan antiquities; explanations of the rites of [Christianity], and of the idolatries of [competing religions], and numerous illustrations of the facts and opinions recorded in the Hebrew, Grecian and Latin literature” (Lowndes, 1245). Jurieu (1637-1713), a French Protestant divine, was sometimes referred to by the Catholics as the “Goliath of the Protestants” because of his debates with Bayle over religion. Chalmers calls the Histoire Critique “a work of very considerable merit.” Text with decorated initials, head- and tailpieces. Brunet 21338.

Some light stains and foxing. An excellent copy in handsome contemporary calf gilt.