Details
S., J. The Conviction of Worldly-Vanity: or, the wandering prodigal, and his return. London: G.L. for John Harris, 1687.
2 parts in one volume, 12° (139 x 77mm). Collation: A6 B-K12. 8 pp. publisher's catalogue at end, engraved frontispiece to each part, by J. Drapentier, each showing three scenes from the prodigal's journey and redemption. (Lacking final K12, probably blank; title and frontispieces just trimmed, first frontispiece skilfully repaired; repairs to outer margin of B8 and B11, lower margin of C2, and to K11, all affecting text; unobtrusive marginal repairs to a few leaves, especially in the first two and last quires, occasionally affecting text; occasional smudging, especially in quire K; one or two headlines just shaved.) 19th-century blue morocco, gilt edges, (light scuffing). Provenance: Cardiff Castle bookplate.
Apparently the first edition of this work, the author of which is known only by his initials at the end of the preface. Wing attributes the work to Jean de Cartigny (or Cartheny), a French Carmelite who lived in the 13th century. His most famous work is the Voyage du chevalier errant, first published in Anvers in 1557, and translated into English in 1580 (cf. lot 74 above). The present work is a religious allegory "Deliver'd under the Similitude of A Wandring Youth", in similar vein to both Cartigny and Bunyan. It portrays the prodigal as a knight setting forth to seek adventure, and, under the influence of the lady Folly, arriving at the Palace of Worldly Felicity. In the second part of the work, The Wandring Prodigal Return'd, he is permitted to see a vision of the Celestial City, and resolves to travel there, passing similar obstacles to Bunyan's pilgrims: the Strait Gate, the Valley of Humility, the assault of Discouragement. He is finally given a view of the city from the Tower of Faith, which inspires him to continue his journey "in Love and Friendship in the strictest Bonds of Amity to this day." Wing C-680A (5 copies only, 3 in England)
2 parts in one volume, 12° (139 x 77mm). Collation: A6 B-K12. 8 pp. publisher's catalogue at end, engraved frontispiece to each part, by J. Drapentier, each showing three scenes from the prodigal's journey and redemption. (Lacking final K12, probably blank; title and frontispieces just trimmed, first frontispiece skilfully repaired; repairs to outer margin of B8 and B11, lower margin of C2, and to K11, all affecting text; unobtrusive marginal repairs to a few leaves, especially in the first two and last quires, occasionally affecting text; occasional smudging, especially in quire K; one or two headlines just shaved.) 19th-century blue morocco, gilt edges, (light scuffing). Provenance: Cardiff Castle bookplate.
Apparently the first edition of this work, the author of which is known only by his initials at the end of the preface. Wing attributes the work to Jean de Cartigny (or Cartheny), a French Carmelite who lived in the 13th century. His most famous work is the Voyage du chevalier errant, first published in Anvers in 1557, and translated into English in 1580 (cf. lot 74 above). The present work is a religious allegory "Deliver'd under the Similitude of A Wandring Youth", in similar vein to both Cartigny and Bunyan. It portrays the prodigal as a knight setting forth to seek adventure, and, under the influence of the lady Folly, arriving at the Palace of Worldly Felicity. In the second part of the work, The Wandring Prodigal Return'd, he is permitted to see a vision of the Celestial City, and resolves to travel there, passing similar obstacles to Bunyan's pilgrims: the Strait Gate, the Valley of Humility, the assault of Discouragement. He is finally given a view of the city from the Tower of Faith, which inspires him to continue his journey "in Love and Friendship in the strictest Bonds of Amity to this day." Wing C-680A (5 copies only, 3 in England)