Locke, John

12mo (131 x 73mm.), eighteenth-century calf, rebacked, slightly browned

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First edition of this influential work where, in arguing for religious tolerance, Locke articulates his belief that Church and State serve different functions and so should be founded in separate institutions. The "Limburgius" to whom the De tolerantiais addressed is Philippus van Limborch (1633-1712), the well-known Dutch thinker and correspondent of Locke who was in fact responsible for the publication of this tract. The manuscript was sent to the printer after Locke returned to England from his exile abroad in February 1689 (in the wake of William III) and its publication in early May of that year was over three years after it had actually been written and only a few months before the publication of an English translation by William Popple (Wing L2747). Locke himself seems to have had two copies of this Gouda edition; however, he deliberately did not put them amongst his own works in his library catalogue (cf. Harrison & Haslett no. 2491) and neither copy can today be traced.