Plain Sermons, Preached in a Village Church
London: Joseph Capes & Co.; Gossling and Egley; John Sleath, 1837-1839. Third Edition. Three Volumes. Printer's Presentation Copy. Three 12mos, xiv, 336; viii, 323, [1]; vii, 348 pp., uniformly bound in full blue leather, with raised bands, gilt lettering and decoration to the spines, decorative gilt borders to the boards, gilt tooling to the board edges, and all edges gilt. An attractive three-volume collection of early nineteenth-century Anglican sermons, published anonymously under the designation "A Country Clergyman" and attributed to the Hon. and Rev. Charles George Perceval [1799–1858]. Intended for the religious instruction and spiritual guidance of ordinary parishioners, the sermons address Christian doctrine, morality, religious duties, and the practical application of Christian teachings to everyday life. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, the work offers an interesting perspective on the religious beliefs, pastoral practices, and ecclesiastical culture of early nineteenth-century England. Printer's Presentation Copy: Affixed to the front pastedown of each volume is a gilt-lettered leather presentation label reading, "This Work is Presented to the Rev. John Sleath, D.D. by the Printer, As a Memorial of his Affectionate Regards." The recipient, Rev. John Sleath (1767–1847), was a distinguished English clergyman, classical scholar, and educator who served as High Master of St. Paul's School, London, from 1814 to 1837, and was a Fellow of the Royal Society and Society of Antiquaries. The title pages identify John Sleath of Stony Stratford as the printer and publisher of the work, establishing his direct connection with the presentation. The matching personalized presentation labels and elaborate bindings suggest that the set was specially prepared for the recipient. A noteworthy example of nineteenth-century ecclesiastical and printing history, distinguished by its historical provenance. Some slight rubbing and wear, a few scuffs, corners slightly bruised, else in very good + condition. Item #688
Price: $600.00