Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie by Richard Hooker - 1639

London: Printed by Richard Bishop and are to be sold by George Lathum, 1639 . Leather. Good. 11.5" by 8". William Hole. A mid seventeenth century edition of Hooker's influential critique of Puritan attacks on the Church of England. The 1639 edition of this important work of theology from Church of England priest Richard Hooker, first published in 1594, and referred to by a twentieth century critic as 'probably the first great work of philosophy and theology to be written in English'.A richly detailed and lengthy work of philosophy and theology mainly dealing with the proper governance of churches, structured into five books responding to and rebutting the general principles of Puritanism, with the author attempting to decide upon the best methods of organising churches.The fifth book has a separate letterpress title page, dated 1638. Individual title pages, each dated 1639, for 'Certain Divine Tractates': 'The answer of Mr. Richard Hooker, to a supplication, preferred by Mr. Walter Travers, to the Honourable Lords of the Privie Councell', 'A learned discourse of justification, works, and how the foundation of faith is overthrowne', 'Five Learned Sermons' and 'Two Sermons upon Part Of S. Judes Epistle'. These appear to the rear of the work, following book five as called for, and with a continuous register.With the collation: [2] A2-5, B-Z6, 2A-2Z6, 3A-3L6. ESTC reference number S119110With an engraved title page from Richard Hole.A scarce edition of a work remembered not only for its stature as a monumental work of Anglican thought, but also for its influence in the development of theology, political theory, and English prose. In a full calf binding. With significant losses of leather to centre of front board and board perimeters. Further losses of leather to rear board perimeters, with what remains only loosely attached. Front and rear board starting, with boards holding firm and hinges strong. Former owner's bookplate to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally clean, with the odd spot. Small ink inscription to margin of page 242, and a closed tear to page 577. Good