FULLER, Thomas (1608-1661)

The historie of the holy warre; by Thomas Fuller, B.D. prebendarie of Sarum, late of Sidney Colledge in Cambridge; [bound with] The Holy State [and the Profane State]

Cambridge: printed by Roger Daniel, and are to be sold by John Williams at the signe of the Crown in Pauls Church-yard [through 1648], 1647. Full Calf. Small Folio: [16], 286, [28, chronological table and index]pp, with additional engraved title page depicting the crusades and folding map of Palestine; [8],189 [124 mis-numbered 104], 200-394,435-510 (pagination is irregular, per ESTC Citation No. R6571, but text is continuous), with additional engraved title-page and 20 engraved portraits. The Profane State has separate title page, dated 1642. Contemporary full calf boards paneled in gilt, spine rebacked in period style with red morocco lettering piece gilt, marbled edges and end papers. A Fine copy, tightly bound, pages fresh and bright, with excellent impressions of the plates; minor marginal staining to first few leaves, repairs to explanatory leaf opposite first frontispiece. Pforzheimer 390 and 92 (for first editions). Lowndes 847 (citing this edition of The Holy State as "best"). Wither to Prior 386 and 387. Wing F2438 and F2444. Allibone, p. 643. Bibliotheca Bibliographici 2191 and 2196. Fine. Item #BB1114

The Holy War is the third edition, with re-engraved title page (Pforzheimer). The Holy State is the second edition, enlarged. Based on Fuller's extensive reading in medieval sources, The Holy War is the first modern history of the crusades in English. In his judgment, the Papacy, in waging them, had spent European lives and wealth for nothing more than a faraway plot of land and a few relics. The Holy State and The Profane State, Fuller's celebrated studies in virtue and vice—"the most popular and characteristic of all his books" (ODNB)—provides rule of conduct, offering as exemplars a rich collection of model characters, along with short biographies of historical figures from Queen Elizabeth and Sir Francis Drake to St. Augustine and Joan of Arc. Allibone calls it, "Perhaps . . . the best of his works; and certainly [it] displays to better advantage than any his original and vigorous powers of thinking." Note: With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Price: $1,624.00