“POWERFULLY HELPED TO BUILD UP THE NEW CHURCH OF THE QUAKERS”: FIRST EDITION OF PENINGTON’S WORKS, 1681

PENINGTON, Isaac. The Works of the LongMournful and SorelyDistressed Isaac Penington… London: Benjamin Clark, 1681. Two volumes bound as one. Quarto, contemporary full polished brown calf rebacked with original spine laid down, raised bands, red morocco spine label. $2000.

Scarce first edition of the “subtle and profound” writings of the leading early Quaker.

A Quaker imprisoned on numerous occasions for his beliefs and his refusal to pledge allegiance to the government, Penington was both an effective activist and an eloquent and prolific writer. “His writings are subtle and profound, free from invective or controversial heat, mainly in the form of question and answer. Not without mysticism, they are yet eminently practical, and powerfully helped to build up the new church of the Quakers” (DNB). Top half of leaf [2Y3] of second volume a cancel, as issued. Lowndes, 1825. Allibone, 1549-50. Old bookseller prices to front pastedown. Occasional old ink markings and marginalia.

Minor marginal wormholing to top of first three gatherings. Scattered light foxing, scattered mild dampstaining. Expert restoration to contemporary calf. Scarce.