An Essay on Ancient Coins, Medals, and Gems as Illustrating the Progress of Christianity in the Early Ages
London: Howell and Stewart, 1828. Second edition greatly enlarged. Hardcover. Duodecimo. viii, (2) 140 (1)pp., 38 plates. Original three quarter leather over marbled boards with gilt tooling and gilt lettering on black label of spine. Taupe endpapers. Frontispiece by T. Kelly. "The first edition of this Essay contained notices of Coins only as were in my possession... By the kindness of friends, to whose collections I have since had access, I have now considerably enlarged it, and made what appears to me to be an exceedingly curious and interesting addition, by introducing some of the remains of the Gnostic sects, who formed so distinguished and striking a feature in the early ages of the Christian church... In the voluminous and learned works, indeed, of Bandurius, Du Cange, Vaillant, and others, there are scattered notices of some events alluded to by the Coins, and these notices I have availed myself of, and acknowledged." (Author). Illustrated with 38 plates of one Medal, Gnostic gems and coins by T. Kelly, most of them depicted in an enlarged format with references to the actual size. Addendum and Errata page at rear. Binding with some wear along edges, light scuffing of leather and boards rubbed. Front joint partially cracked, both joints and spine with small chips. Small dealer sticker on inside front cover. Starting after title page. Some sporadic foxing of block throughout. Binding in overall good, interior in good+ to very good condition. g to vg. Item #43201
Price: $125.00