The Critical History of the Religions and Customs of the Eastern Nations, 1685
London: J. Heptinstall, 1685. First English Language Edition. Hardcover. 8vo, 7.5 x 5 inches, bound in early 19th century calf-backed marbled boards, very good with light wear and scuffing, contents bright and clean, light occasional foxing, bookplate of Edward Dodwell (1767-1832), the Irish painter, explorer and travel author, who published a number of accounts of travel and archaeology in Greece and Italy; the “Eastern” religions covered in this book are those of the eastern Churches of Europe and Greece, and religions of the Middle East, which is why it would have been of interest to Dodwell. Rare in the trade. Richard Simon (1638–1712) was a French Oratorian priest, biblical scholar, and pioneer of modern critical study of Scripture. His landmark work, Histoire critique du Vieux Testament (1678), applied historical and philological analysis to the Bible, arguing that it reflected multiple sources and editorial traditions. Condemned by church authorities and briefly suppressed, the book nonetheless influenced Enlightenment thinkers and later biblical criticism; and he also, in this work, examined the rites and beliefs of Jews, Muslims, and Asian peoples to illuminate parallels and contrasts with Christian practices. His goal was to show that religious ceremonies everywhere arose from common human needs and historical conditions rather than divine revelation alone. This comparative approach placed Simon among the early founders of the study of comparative religion and anthropology in early modern Europe. Very Good. Item #B31598
Price: $325.00