‎PETERS, Charles.‎
‎A Critical Dissertation on the Book of Job. Together with : The Preface to a Critical Dissertation on the Book of Job.‎

‎London: E. Owen, 1751 ‎

Reference : 1750

‎First Edition. The full title continues: Wherein the Account given of that book by the Author of the the Divine Legation of Moses Demonstrated &c. is particularly considered; The Antiquity of the book vindicated; The great Test (Chap. xix. 25-) explained; and a Future State shewn to have been the Popular Belief of the Ancient Jews or Hebrews. Full contemporary calf, with gilt decoration and titles to the spine. Owner's bookplate to the inside front board. This copy is a First edition of the Dissertation bound in with a First edition of the preface. (conforming to the ESTC entries for both works). The two title pages are bound in together at the front of the work, then the Preface is presented, followed by the Dissertation. Both works have their errata present. There is an owner's name in ink to the title page of the preface. The two titles show that the dissertation was published by E. Owen, and sold by S. Birt & B. Dod, S. Bathurst, J. Fletcher, W. Thurlbourn & E. Score. The preface was printed for W. Johnston, P. Davey & B. Law. The binding is somewhat rubbed, but holding together well. A little bumping to the corners of the boards. Slight scuffing to the boards. The gilt to the spine is somewhat rubbed but still attractive. There is a little nicking to the head and tail of the spine. Charles Peters [1690-1774] was a Cornish Church of England rector and Hebrew Scholar. Described by Polwhele as "The first Hebrew Scholar in Europe" Presumably meaning foremost! The production of this work is unusual, more in the style of the Seventeenth Century pamphleteers. The Dissertation, first published (as here) in 1751 was critical of William Warburton's work "The Divine Legation of Moses." Warburton responded, and a second edition (revised) was published in 1757. At this point, a lengthy preface was also added to deal with Warburton's comments. This was also published separately. It is this separate Preface offered here. Later (1760) he also published an Appendix, dealing further with Warburton's comments. He dies in 1774 and a volume of his sermons was produced in 1776. Dissertation ESTC: T101677; The preface ESTC: T115570‎