A Concise History Of The Holy Scriptures

Joseph Sharpless, No. 4, Franklin-Court, (Market-Street, Between 3rd. and 4th Streets, South Side, Philadelphia, 1813; First American Edition; 223 pages; original leather boards; red morocco title label. Noteworthy Bible History instructional, adapted for the understanding of everyday people and the young. First published in England during the latter part of the 18th century under the title "An Abridgment Of The Holy Scriptures," it was widely disseminated in both Britain and on the Continent, and by 1814 had undergone 15 editions. Authored by William Sellon (1730-1790), revered curate of St. James, Clerkenwell from 1767 until his death, who was much esteemed for his personal integrity and power as a lecturer. His grandson, Baker Peter Smith, in an 1852 memoir of Sellon reports that he (Sellon) was facetiously referred to by his colleagues as "silver-tongued Sellon" for his ability to bring his hearers to such heights of enthusiasm with his oratory that donations poured in. Includes a four-page "Dedication To The Governors And Trustees Of Charitable And Other Institutions For The Instruction Of Children," plus a six-page author’s preface at the front. Printed by J. Rakestraw. Very Good, binding tight, hinges secure, text bright, top edge of spine panel worn, few small leather chinks and surface rubbing principally along the edges, title label darkened, vintage engraved bookplate of historian Frank D. Andrews (1847-1937) on front paste down, chip at upper right corner of page 125 and rear blank end paper. Signatures of Abraham Loux (1789-1867), Plumstead Township, Bucks County, PA and son Charles Loux (1825-?), Pipersville, PA on front and rear blank end papers. Scarce.