Pascal, Blaise

Thoughts on religion, and other subjects ... translated from the French.

      London Pr. by W.B. for A. & J Churchil, R. Sare, & J. Tonson 1704 8vo (19.4 cm, 7.6"). [2], lviii,[12], 352, 361-76, 369-92 pp. (text complete despite pagination). First edition of this English translation, done by Basil Kennett, of Pascal's acclaimed defense of Christianity. Left as unfinished fragments at the time of Pascal's death, the Pensées include the famous argument of the wager. Kennett, an antiquary and translator of a number of French works, served as the first chaplain to the British merchants at Leghorn - where his ministry incurred the wrath of the Inquisition. An interesting international addition to this book's trouble with religious authority, for the Pensees were placed on the Index shortly after their original publication. Binding: Contemporary speckled calf and mottled calf framed and panelled in gilt rules with gilt-stamped corner fleurons; recently rebacked with speckled calf, spine with gilt-stamped leather title-label and gilt-stamped decorations within gilt-dotted raised bands. ESTC T144329; Lowndes 1795. On Kennett, see: Oxford Dictionary of National Biography online. Binding as above, corners and edges with minor rubbing; lower (closed) edges institutionally rubber-stamped. Front fly-leaf with early inked ownership inscription. Pages age-toned and in some instances browned; old, usually (but not quite always) faint waterstaining to a number of leaves; corner creases from old dog-earring and one old inkblot, one leaf with closed tear from outer margin touching a few letters without loss. Pagination erratic, but catchwords correct and text continuous. A solid, usable copy in an attractively refreshed binding.