8vo. [24], 452pp, [4]. Contemporary blind-tooled panelled calf, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece. Heavily rubbed, spine dulled. Later armorial bookplate of Oliver Brett to FEP, loss to upper corner of FFEP.

A revised and enlarged edition of bishop of the nonjuring Church of England Thomas Brett's (1667-1744) first published work.

An influential member of the nonjuroring movement throughout his life, Brett was a biblical and liturgical scholar; publishing several works on the evolution and translation of scriptural text, advocating for a return to the Common prayer book of Edward VI (London, 1549), and indeed composing, with others including Thomas Deacon, a new nonjuring liturgy in 1718.

Provenance: Recently dispersed from the remains of the Brett family library, including many books owned by Reginald Brett, 2nd Viscount Esher (1852-1930), courtier, politician, historian and influential éminence grise; and his son Oliver Brett, 3rd Viscount Esher (1881-1963), himself an influential figure in Whitehall, and heavily involved in the governance of the National Trust and various other historical and architectural charities.