RELIGIO LAICI OR A LAYMANS FAITH. A POEM

London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1682. FIRST EDITION, Second Issue. 210 x 165mm. (8 1/4 x 6 1/2"). 8 p.l., 28 leaves.
Later tan paper boards, title printed in black on upper cover. Front pastedown with book label of Charles Whibley. Macdonald 16a ii; Wing D-2342; Pforzheimer 337. ◆Spine with a thin, two-inch piece missing and with minor wear at the top, a couple of small stains, but a perfectly serviceable binding nonetheless; text with light overall browning, one leaf with a chip at top margin touching the running title, but a very good copy internally, with no major condition issues.

Written in response to an English translation of a controversial work of biblical criticism ("Histoire critique du vieux testament"), this poem in support of Anglicanism is considered one of Dryden's most important writings on his own religious philosophy. In the words of DNB, it "marked a distinct departure in [his] career. Though his plays had often shown an informed interest in religious and philosophical questions, in 'Religio laici' Dryden produced a versified theological argument, a statement of a 'layman's faith' which presented a plea for rational Anglicanism. . . . Carefully researched and lucidly argued, this poem made Dryden's claim to be a serious didactic poet, not just a journalist in verse, however witty." Interestingly, Dryden's views on religion would change dramatically over the next few years, and in 1686 he converted to Catholicism--a move that would cost him his laureateship and put him into dire financial straits. Macdonald traces just two copies of the first issue; this second issue is essentially the same, with only a handful of minor corrections. The present copy was once owned by the noted bibliophile and journalist Charles Whibley (1859-1930), brother-in-law of James McNeill Whistler and an important supporter of T. S. Eliot..