POTTER, Francis (1594-1678)

[Catholic Church] An interpretation of the number 666. Wherein, not onely the manner, how this number ought to be interpreted, is clearely proved and demonstrated: but it is also shewed, yt [sic] this number is an exquisite and perfect character, truly, exactly, and essentially describing that state of goverment, to wch [sic] all other notes of Antichrist doe agree. With all knowne objections, solidly, and fully answeared, yt [sic] can be materially made against i [Earls of Macclesfield copy]

Oxford: printed by Leonard Lichfield, 1642. First Edition. Half-Calf. First Edition one of the most curious and fascinating books of the seventeenth century, Potter’s treatise on the Number of the Beast. 4to: [16],214,[2]pp, with copper-engraved title page by W. Marshall, showing numerical manifestations of ‘666’ and their supposed connections to the Catholic Church, full-page plate, and woodcut initials, headpieces, numerological illustrations, and diagrams in the text. Leaf X4 is a cancel; final leaf is blank. Book plate from the North Library of the Earls of Macclesfield and binder's ticket (Hatton of Manchester) to front paste-down. Nineteenth-century half-calf, spine gilt in six compartments, red morocco lettering piece gilt, brown medium diaper cloth-covered boards, all edges speckled red, sea-green end papers. Complete in all respects and in excellent condition throughout, with clean pages, clear print, and ample margins. Engraved title is a rich, deep impression. A superb example, with minor scuffing and fading of boards. Wing P3028. Madan, II, 1032. Near Fine. Item #BB0970

A treatise on the Number of the Beast by the English clergyman, scientific instrument maker, early member of the Royal Society, and friend of John Aubrey. According to the ODNB, Potter was interested in "connecting 25, the ‘appropinque’ square root of 666, with various institutions in the Roman Catholic church. His ideas were elaborated in a manuscript which was read in 1637 by Joseph Mede, and commended as a wonderful discovery, the ‘happiest that ever yet came into the world.'" Pepys considered it "mighty ingenious." It continued to be influential and was reprinted as late as 1808. Aubrey’s short life of Potter paints a vivid picture of his character and highly inventive mind. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $2,149.00