Barclay, Robert. Theologiæ verè Christianæ Apologia. Amsterdam: Jacob Claus, 1676

BARCLAY, ROBERT

THEOLOGIÆ VERÈ CHRISTIANÆ APOLOGIA. AMSTERDAM: JACOB CLAUS, 1676

Small 4to (7 3/4 x 6 1/8 in.; 197 x 156 mm). Historiated woodcut initials; *2 hinged to tab, some toning and foxing. Expertly bound to style in 17th-century calf, spine with raised bands in six compartments, spine ruled in gilt, edges speckled red.

First edition of this foundation work on Quaker philosophy. 

Upon its publication, Theologiæ verè Christianæ Apologia had an immediate effect on the development of Quakerism and the treatment of its followers, becoming "for a whole century a second Bible for the Society [of Friends]" (Dean Inge). 

Robert Barclay was a close friend and associate of William Penn, and was named proprietor of the American Quaker province of East Jersey in 1683. Although he was the provinces's nominal governor, he never set foot in the Americas. 

LITERATURE:

Evans 10950; Smith I:182; Wing B736