Thomas Boston Published Anonymously (1 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Good. 1st Edition. True First Edition / First Printing. Octavo (8vo). 8vo. Complete: Title page, 18pp [preliminaries], 614pp [main text]. Bound in full contemporary calf. Volume shows expected rubbing to all extremities and edges. The front board is unattached at the upper hinge but remains securely holding by the cords at the bottom; the rear board and overall binding structure remain tight, solid, and firm. Pages are quite heavily toned and yellowed as expected for 18th-century Scottish paper stock. Foxing is present throughout the text block, though the original text remains clear and legible. A solid and entirely unrestored copy in its original state. This copy features the distinguished heraldic bookplate of William Scott Elliot of Arkleton to the front pastedown as well as the title page featuring the classic bracketed table title page design characteristic of early 18th-century Scottish printing. Published anonymously as issued. This copy features historic contemporary ink cancellations to the words "The State Of" and "Mankind" flanking the central "OF" on the title page—a fascinating piece of physical provenance likely linked to the fierce theological debates of the Marrow Controversy surrounding the book's initial release. This scarce 1720 James McEuen first printing represents a landmark achievement in early 18th-century Scottish theology and book production with Thomas Boston's work having an immeasurable impact on the religious landscape of post-Reformation Scotland, becoming so deeply woven into the cultural fabric that it was found in virtually every Presbyterian household alongside the family Bible.…