Description
A Rare 1765 First Edition: The Lives of John Wicliff and His Disciples by William Gilpin
This is a significant and fascinating piece of 18th-century ecclesiastical history: The Lives of John Wicliff; and of the most Eminent of his disciples; Lord Cobham, John Huss, Jerome of Prague, and Zisca, written by William Gilpin, M.A., and printed in London in 1765. This work is a detailed biography of the great English theologian and reformer, John Wycliffe (often spelled Wicliff), and the central figures who carried on his religious and political legacy, often paying the ultimate price.
Size: approx. 9 inches tall, approx. 5 7/8 inches wide, and approx. 1 5/8 inches thick.
Historical Significance and Rarity
This volume is valuable for several key reasons:
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First Edition Rarity: Published in 1765, this is the scarce first edition of Gilpin’s important biographical work. It offers a direct connection to how the history of the Reformation was viewed and documented during the Age of Enlightenment.
- The Dawn of the Reformation: The book documents the lives of pivotal figures—Wycliffe, the “Morning Star of the Reformation,” and his continental followers, especially Jan Hus and Jerome of Prague—who pre-dated Luther and Calvin by over a century. This narrative was crucial to the identity of the Church of England in the 18th century, emphasizing its long-standing dissent from Rome.
- William Gilpin, M.A.: The author, William Gilpin, was a celebrated divine, artist, and historian of the era, best known for his influential writings on the Picturesque movement. His historical works, while less common, are valued for their engaging prose and scholarly attention.
Condition and Features
This 1765 volume is complete and beautifully presented:
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Illustrations: The book is complete with five historical engravings, offering period portraits and scenes related to the lives of the reformers.
- Custom Rebinding: The volume has been professionally rebound in handsome brown cowskin leather, a durable and classic presentation that ensures its longevity.
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Interior Condition: The text is very clear and readable. Consistent with its age, there is browning and spotting (foxing) typical for a book printed in 1765, adding to its genuine antique character.
This rare and substantial biography is a foundational text for anyone interested in the history of Protestantism, the early reformers, and 18th-century English historiography.
