The First True Gentleman: A Study in the Human Nature of Our Lord

1907 John W. Luce (Boston, Massachusetts), 5 1/8 x 6 7/8 inches tall hardcover, no dust jacket (as issued), red paper-covered boards over cream spine, every page red ruled, 43 pp. Moderate to heavy soiling, staining, rubbing and edgewear to covers, with bumping and fraying to tips. Old hand lettering to spine. On the blank front free-endpaper, a neat Christmas 1910 gift inscription to Margaretta M. Moore from the priest (W.R.M.) who was then serving at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon, Virginia (founded in 1841). Otherwise, a very good to near fine copy of this rare first edition printing. OCLC (No. 688512106) has a listing but locates no copies at institutions worldwide. ~LL~ [1.0P] A theological and literary work that explores the character of Jesus Christ, highlighting his human virtues as the ultimate example of a 'true gentleman.' The anonymous author uses literary and theological analysis, drawing on biblical passages and historical contexts to illustrate how Christ embodied virtues such as patience, compassion, truth, and courage. The essay follows out these illustrations during great crises in the Savior's life, connecting them to the 'larger sense' of the word 'gentleman' as understood even by Elizabethan poets like Dekker. The work is intended as an inspirational guide, encouraging readers to emulate Christ's virtues in their daily lives and interactions. It provides a framework for understanding the profound impact of Christ's humanity on Western ideals of virtue and ethics. This 1907 first edition was published as a Lenten offering. While the book's foreword is by the notable American author and clergyman Edward Everett Hale, the main essay itself was originally published anonymously. Later reprints often attribute the full work to Edward Everett Hale, likely due to his prominent contribution.…