Oct 24 at 10:30 AM - Sale 2683 -

Sale 2683 - Lot 190

Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
Toland, John (1670-1722)
Pantheisticon. Sive Formula Celebrandae Sodalitatis Socraticae.

Cosmpoli [ie. London]: [no printer], 1720.

First edition, octavo, title printed in red and black; bound in full early 19th century polished calf, ruled in gilt with gilt-decorated spine; front joint slightly cracked; ex libris Charles-François Maurice (1817-1869) monogram with initials and motto "Nunc nox mox lux" stamped in green on ffep; with a few lines in French above referring to the books rarity; some discoloration to title caused by leather turn-in; 7 3/4 x 4 3/4 in.

ESTC T115643; scarce at auction.

Toland's last book, also called his most offensive. In it, he outlines a pantheistic utopian society, riffing directly on the liturgy of the Church of England. He even echoes the use of red and black ink in the typography in the Pantheisticon. The mysterious imprint is a clue to the circumstances of publication. Toland had a small number printed privately to be distributed among other like-minded enlightened folk.
Request Condition Report Set Alert for Similar Items

Also in This Catalogue