A Rational Account of the Grounds of Protestant Religion: Being a Vindication of the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury's Relation of a Conference, Etc. From the Pretended Answer to T. C. [...]. By Edward Stillingfleet. The Second Edition. London: H. T. Mortlock, 1681, folio.
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A beautiful copy of Stillingfleet's famous apologetic defence of Protestantism with particularly interesting provenance.
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Provenance:
Bookplate of Thomas Vyner A:M, the son of Sir Thomas Vyner (1588-1665) who was the Lord Mayor of London. Thomas Vyner, the owner of this book, was a patent clerk and was the sole executer of his Father's will, who was closely connected to Kings Charles I & II, and Oliver Cromwell, giving this book an interesting provenance loosely associated with some of the key figures of Protestantism in 17th century England.
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Size: 209 x 326 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(2), A4, a-b4, B-Z4, 2A-2Z4, 3A-3Z4, 4A-4H4, (2)].
Contemporary Cambridge panelled binding in folio. The panels have an interesting and rather unique wave pattern in the central rectangle of both boards which looks intentional. Spine finely tooled in gilt, original tooled red morocco label laid down to upper spine. Binding a little rubbed, minor shelf wear, unrestored and so very charming. Joints cracked, front board slightly loose, but overall remains secure, rear board securely attached. Bookplate attached to front pastedown. No ownership inscriptions located. No marginalia. Light dampstain to gutter, only visibly affecting the first two blanks. Another heavier dampstain affecting six leaves (only), a4-B1, a few other minor dampstains in places, none of the dampstaining renders any text illegible or compromises any sense. B1 with very minor loss to the lower corner. Text block mildly toned but generally in a very good state of preservation. Overall, an attractive copy in a contemporary fine binding with interesting provenance.
