[Rarebooks] FS - John Calvin, Institutes, 1599 English translation

[GREENFIELD BOOKS]

[John Calvin] "THE INSTITUTION OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION written in Latine 
by M. Iohn Caluine, and translated into English according to the authors 
last edition, with sundry tables to finde the principall matters 
entreated of in this booke, and also the declaration of places of 
Scripture therein expounded, by Thomas Norton. Whereunto there are newly 
added in the margent of the booke, notes conteining in briefe the 
substance of the matter handled in each section."

Printed at London by Arnold Hatfield for Bonham Norton. 1599. Thick 8vo. 
Pagination: pp. [xxii], 413 (paginated every second page, thus 816 
pages), tables (pp. 172) - in all, 1,010 pages. Bound in old sheep, with 
early re-backing in calf with morocco spine label. "George Iacson" [sic] 
stamped in gilt on front board. Two former owner signatures to top left 
on inside front board. Hinges reinforced (probably when re-backed). 
Later reinforcement with tape to title page and blank rear endpaper, 
leaving residue when removed. Some staining to text, mainly marginal in 
first part of book, then slowly spreading upwards towards end of book, 
not affecting legibility and with no other apparent deleterious effects. 
The book is otherwise tightly-bound and in very good condition.

John Calvin (1509-1564), born Jehan Calvin, was an influential French 
theologian during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure 
in the development of the system of Christian theology later called 
Calvinism, and was a tireless polemic and apologetic writer who 
generated much controversy. This is his seminal work, first published in 
1536 in Latin as "Instituio Christianae Religionis", shortly after his 
break with the Catholic church. The work was an apologia or defence of 
his faith and a statement of the doctrinal position of the reformers. He 
also intended it to serve as an elementary instructional book for anyone 
interested in the Christian religion, as he conceived it to be, and it 
became "the guide of all 'Reformed' churches" (Wycliffe Biographical 
Dictionary of the Church). Calvin issued a new edition of the 
"Institutio" in 1539.

Thomas Norton (1532-1584), the translator, was an English lawyer and 
poet who, during his time in parliament, strongly supported all active 
measures against Roman Catholics. In 1581 he became an official censor 
of Queen Elizabeth's Roman Catholic subjects and was involved in 
torturing several of them to obtain recantations. The first edition of 
his translation into English of Calvin's magnum opus was in 1559.

Photos available upon request.

Terms of sale - the price is in USD. Payment by check, bank draft, or 
credit card. Trade discount reciprocated. Postage and packing charge is 
$10 in North America, $25 overseas. Returnable, with prior notice, 
within seven days of receipt if found to be not as described.

Price: $1,250

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