Beschreibung:

Title: Magnalia Christi Americana: or, the Ecclesiastical History of New-England, from its First Printing in the Year 1620. unto the Year of our Lord, 1698. In Seven Books. Author: Mather, Cotton Place: London Publisher: Thomas Parkhurst Date: 1702 Description: Seven parts bound in one volume. [30], 38; [2], 75; [2], 238; [2], 125-222; [2], 100; [2], 88; [2], 118, Errata, [2] pp. Double-page map, blank leaf at 6m2. Contemporary full-calf, rebacked with earlier gilt spine laid down, edges speckled red. First Edition. Advertisements not present but with the original map rather than the more common facsimile noted by Sabin. Cotton Mather (1663-1728) was a New England Puritan minister, prolific author, and pamphleteer who wrote over 450 books and pamphlets, making him one of the most influential religious leaders in colonial America. The most important and greatest of his published works is the Magnalia Christi Americana... originally published in England because no American printer could take on such a large project. The seven books are comprised of an early history of New England, short sketches of the lives of governors and ministers, the history of Harvard, Puritan modes of worship, instances of "Illustrious, Wonderful Providences" in New England, accounts of various afflictions visited on New England, the Salem witch trials in which he played a pivotal role, the escape of Hannah Duston, and also a wealth of puns, poems, sermons, and anagrams. While not entirely historically accurate, Magnalia Christi Americana... provides a garrulous overview of the state of society and manners in New England during the early colonial period. Sabin 46392. Two ink signatures to recto of first flyleaf: "Wm. Dent Book 1763" and "Henry Hoyle's 1809." Bookplate of L.F. Butler. Ink notes in an early hand at head of title page. Lot Amendments Condition: Boards lightly worn; light foxing; very good. Item number: 289698