St Marys Books

"...Shewing, His Convincement of the Truth, and the Exercises, Tryals and Sufferings which came upon him for his Obedience thereunto: Also relating some of his Travels and Labour in the Work of the Ministry, for turning People from Darkness, to Light, &c." First edition bound in original full calf leather. Blind embossed floral border to boards, four raised bands to spine, remnants of a title band. Several nk inscriptions to ffep in different hands, as well one inscription facing title and a few more to the rear endpapers. Font board near detached. Wear, scuffs and tape residue to binding. Title has been written on what is left of title band. Tape to gutter of feps. Toning to page edges, some marks and soiling. Internally sound and complete. The fact that all the original elements are present means that with restoration this will be a handsome book. Overall fair only condition. xii + ii + 450 + xiv pp. This work is attributed to Sansom (1636-1710) himself, who was an early minister in the Society of Friends which became the Quaker religion. He spent some years in prison for his beliefs. The most legible inscription in the book is that of 'Joseph Storrs, 1768'. The famous British chocolatier Joseph Storrs-Fry was only born in 1769, however he and his family were Quakers, so there is perhaps a familial connection. The book is rare indeed, with no copies of the first edition on the market. A subsequent edition was published in 1848. There are several copies recorded in institutions however the book is scarce in commerce, with just three auction records between 1902 and 1918, and one appearance in 2016! A collectable and intriguing work, nice in original binding.