Castellio, Sebastian (Sebastien Castellion) ; Trans. Roland H. Bainton

Concerning Heretics, whether they are to be persecuted and how they are to be treated; a collection of the opinions of learned men, both ancient and modern. [...] Now first done into English together with excerpts from other works [...]

New York: Columbia University Press, 1935. First edition. Octavo, cloth boards, gilt lettering to spine, blindstamped symbol of Columbia University Press upper board, illus vignette title page, frontis portrait plate of Castellio, b&w plates (from historical sources), bibliography, index, pp xiv, 342. Ex-library: bookplate front endpaper, ex-library stamp front endpaper and to all edges of the text block, library ticket endpaper, label and handwitten annoatation to the spine. Internally clean. Good condition.

Sebastian Castellio (also Sebastien Chateillon, Chataillon, Castellion, and Castello; 1515 – 1563) was a French preacher and theologian, and one of the first Reformed Christian proponents of religious toleration, freedom of conscience and thought. His "Treatise on Heretics", first published under a psudonym in 1553, was written in part as a reaction to the Spanish Inquisition. Castellio vehemently criticizes the concept of heresy and opposes the idea that political power should punish heretics. He defends freedom of conscience and religion, including for Jews and Muslims. The text is considered one of the most important early literary works on religious tolerance. This 1935 edition is a scholarly edition, published as part of the Records of Civilisation Series. Nearly 120 pages of the book is Bainton's extensive introduction, giving the historical background, including pre-Reformation writers, Protestant Persecutors and Protestant Liberals, and discussing the book's influence. The book also gives excerpts from other works of Castellio and of David Joris (c. 1501 - 1556), a Dutch Anabaptist leader. Roland H. Bainton was an acclaimed historian and taught church history at Yale University for many years. (Papers held at Yale describe him as "scintillating lecturer, persistent researcher, perceptive artist, world traveler, friend to the oppressed, ardent pacifist, teacher and mentor to many.) First editions (or indeed any editions) of this book are scarce, and Castellio's text remains important. Item #106501

Price (AUD): $500.00   Other currencies