The Life Of The Learned And Right Reverend Reynold Pecock, S.T.P. Lord Bishop Of St. Asaph, And Chichester, In The Reign Of King Henry VI. Faithfully Collected From Records And Mss. Being A Sequel Of The Life Of Dr. John Wiclif.A New Edition.

8vo. large-paper copy. pp. 1 p.l., vii, 235, [2]index. 1 wood-engraved plate. contemporary morocco, gilt back, all edges gilt (some wear to joints, several surface abrasions to covers, bookplate removed from rear paste-down, dampstain to outer margin of plate, overall a nice copy). bookplate of H.C.Lewis. Second Edition (first: 1744). Lewis wrote a number of works on antiquarian and theological subjects, but he is chiefly known for his biographies of Wycliffe, Caxton, Pecock, and Bishop Fisher. Pecock [1395?-1460?], Bishop of St. Asaph (1444) and of Chichester (1450) was made privy councilor, and approved Richard of York as protector, but fell out of favour when that faction declined in power. In 1457 he was declared guilty of heresy by a commission appointed by Archbishop Bourchier and sentenced illegally. Although he abjured and thereby escaped the stake, he appealed to Pope Callistus III, who ordered his restitution. Nothing was done, and in 1459 a new trial was ordered by Pope Pius II. Although Pecock resigned his see and no judicial action was taken, he was confined to Thorney Abbey. NCBEL II 1716.…