A Dialogue Between an East-Indian Brackmanny, or Heathen-Philosopher, and a French-Gentleman, Concerning the Present Affairs in Europe.

Tyron, Thomas. (1634-1703) A Dialogue Between an East-Indian Brackmanny, or Heathen-Philosopher, and a French-Gentleman, Concerning the Present Affairs in Europe. London: Printed for D. Newman, and R. Baldwin; at the King's—Arms in the Poultrey, and near the Oxford– Arms in Warwick-Lane, 1691.

Octavo, 4.25 x 7.2 in. Kk3-Kk8, Ll4; (This work was extracted from the title: The Way to Health.) This copy is bound in modern quarter calfskin and marbled paper boards. Quite scarce.

Thomas Tryon (1634-1703) , who had at various times in his life worked as a shepherd and a hatter, was greatly influenced by the writings of Behmen. It was a result of his familiarity with Behmen's work that Tryon adopted a lifestyle of self-denial. In his words, "My drink was only water, and food only bread and some fruit. But afterwards I had more liberty given me by my guide, Wisdom, viz. to eat butter and cheese. My clothing was mean and thin, for in all things self-denial was now become my real business. "(Some Memoirs p. 27)

It was not until he reached the age of forty-eight that he took to espousing his convictions on health and spirituality, which has been referred to as a 'curious medley of mystical philosophy and dietetics (DNB, p 1201). Beside 'flesh', Tryon was opposed to the use of tobacco and alcohol, although in an ironic twist he published a text on how to brew beer! In addition to his message of dietary temperance, Tryon opposed warfare as well as advocated silent meditation. His writings made him very popular among sectarians both in the United States and England.

Tryon was a Christian ascetic who was influenced by Hinduism and Pythagorean ideas and published numerous works on a wide range of subjects, including education, health, nutrition, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, the treatment of slaves. This work is about the antiwar position as well as the philosophy of peace instead of conflict.