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Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
Vokins, Joan (d. 1690) God's Mighty Power Magnified: as Manifested and Revealed in his Faithful Handmaid Joan Vokins.
London: Printed for Thomas Northcott, 1691.
First edition, octavo, A4, a8, B4, C-I8, K2 (lacking four leaves: B3, B4, B5, & B6, i.e. pages 5-12); bound in full intact period speckled English sheepskin, unsophisticated, with later wove pastedowns and flyleaves in front and back, the binding slightly rubbed, 6 x 3 1/2 in.
Vokins was an ardent member of the Society of Friends who traveled as a transatlantic missionary of faith. She arrived in Oyster Bay, Long Island in New York early in 1680, traveling with her friends Sarah Yoklet and Lydia Wright. Her main objective was establishing Women's Meetings in the colonies as she had done at home in Charney Bassett, England. She visited Providence, Rhode Island; Boston; East & West Jersey; Pennsylvania; Barbados; Nevis; and Antigua. While in Barbados, she led meetings with Black and white congregants, "and the power of the Lord Jesus was mightily manifested, so that my Soul was often melted therewith, even in the Meetings of the Negro's or Blacks." This posthumously published work is a collection of Vokins's letters, many written during her journey. Supporting prefatory material is contributed by several other Quaker women, including Theophila Townsend (1656-1692). The Society of Friends' strong stance on gender equality meant that Quaker women were able to see their own work in print during the 17th century, even as they were simultaneously jailed, executed, and otherwise persecuted for their beliefs.
ESTC R9069, listing seven copies in American libraries; Wing V-685; Smith's Descriptive Catalogue of Friends' Books II pages 714 and 844; Rare at auction.
