Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Epistolae theologicae (Theological Letters) [THE AUTHOR'S FIRST PUBLISHED WORK]

Le Clerc, Jean

Saumur: Isaac Desbordes, 1679. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo. a8 [pi]2, A-V8 (= 170 leaves). [20], 320pp. Title with woodcut printer’s device. Occasional quotations in Greek and Hebrew. Contemporary mottled calf; ruled, with acorn fleurons at corners and tooling at inner edge of boards in blind; gilt dentelles; spine with raised bands. Light wear at extremities, joints beginning to split at bottom edge. Old annotations at front pastedown and endleaf; a few leaves remain partially unopened at the top or bottom edge. Text fine and crisp throughout.

First edition of the first work by the Swiss Protestant theologian, critic, and celebrated man of letters, Jean Le Clerc (1657-1736). Pseudonymously published at a disguised address, this work is an unorthodox study of the doctrine of the Trinity, the Hypostatic union of the two natures in Christ, original sin, and other related matters. In his autobiography Le Clerc describes the controversy surrounding its authorship as “a matter of small moment,” one upon which he dwells at some length, however: He neither confirms nor denies, but reminds us twice of the controversy, and leaves no doubt as to his willingness to accept the attribution. Very Good+. Item #49146

Full title and imprint: Liberii de Sancto Amore Epistolae theologicae, in quibus varii scholasticorum errores castigantur. Irenopoli: Typis Philalethianis, MDCLXXIX.

References: Bauer, Bibliotheca, 2:285. The Library of John Locke 2545 (identifying Le Clerc as the author). J.-P. Pittion, Notes for a Saumur Bibliography: Part III, a Check-List of Saumur Printings, 1600-85, 229 (identifying Desbordes as the printer).

Price: $1,750.00