1778 - An 18th-Century Female Voice: Anne Dutton's Scarce Treatise on Justification
This exceptionally rare third edition of Anne Dutton's Treatise on Justification is a significant artifact of 18th-century religious thought, particularly as a work by a prominent female theologian. Dutton's early publications, including her Narration of the Wonders of Grace, were issued under the pen-name Thomas Dutton, highlighting the challenges faced by women writers in the period. Despite this initial anonymity, her influence was substantial, as evidenced by her extensive correspondence with figures like George Whitefield and the controversial John Wesley.
Her writings explore the transformative power of grace and its impact on the individual's spiritual life, and her work on the experiences of enslaved people in America demonstrates a concern for spiritual liberation. The act of a woman authoring and circulating theological works, especially under a pseudonym, speaks to a subversion of social norms and a pursuit of intellectual and spiritual autonomy. This copy, bearing the bookplate of Samuel Smith and the signatures of James Smith of Albany, offers a physical link to the book’s history. Exceptionally rare, RBH records no prior auction appearances for this or any work by Anne Dutton, underscoring its scarcity.
Dutton, Anne. A Treatise on Justification: Shewing the Matter, Manner, Time, and Effects of It. Glasgow: William Smith. Third Edition. 12mo. 185, [7] pp. Period sheep. Rare. Text shows wear, with toning, foxing, and soiling. Marginal water-stains are present, including pink coloration near the end. Hinges are broken but held by cords.
This exceptionally rare third edition of Anne Dutton's Treatise on Justification is a significant artifact of 18th-century religious thought, particularly as a work by a prominent female theologian. Dutton's early publications, including her Narration of the Wonders of Grace, were issued under the pen-name Thomas Dutton, highlighting the challenges faced by women writers in the period. Despite this initial anonymity, her influence was substantial, as evidenced by her extensive correspondence with figures like George Whitefield and the controversial John Wesley.
Her writings explore the transformative power of grace and its impact on the individual's spiritual life, and her work on the experiences of enslaved people in America demonstrates a concern for spiritual liberation. The act of a woman authoring and circulating theological works, especially under a pseudonym, speaks to a subversion of social norms and a pursuit of intellectual and spiritual autonomy. This copy, bearing the bookplate of Samuel Smith and the signatures of James Smith of Albany, offers a physical link to the book’s history. Exceptionally rare, RBH records no prior auction appearances for this or any work by Anne Dutton, underscoring its scarcity.
Dutton, Anne. A Treatise on Justification: Shewing the Matter, Manner, Time, and Effects of It. Glasgow: William Smith. Third Edition. 12mo. 185, [7] pp. Period sheep. Rare. Text shows wear, with toning, foxing, and soiling. Marginal water-stains are present, including pink coloration near the end. Hinges are broken but held by cords.
This exceptionally rare third edition of Anne Dutton's Treatise on Justification is a significant artifact of 18th-century religious thought, particularly as a work by a prominent female theologian. Dutton's early publications, including her Narration of the Wonders of Grace, were issued under the pen-name Thomas Dutton, highlighting the challenges faced by women writers in the period. Despite this initial anonymity, her influence was substantial, as evidenced by her extensive correspondence with figures like George Whitefield and the controversial John Wesley.
Her writings explore the transformative power of grace and its impact on the individual's spiritual life, and her work on the experiences of enslaved people in America demonstrates a concern for spiritual liberation. The act of a woman authoring and circulating theological works, especially under a pseudonym, speaks to a subversion of social norms and a pursuit of intellectual and spiritual autonomy. This copy, bearing the bookplate of Samuel Smith and the signatures of James Smith of Albany, offers a physical link to the book’s history. Exceptionally rare, RBH records no prior auction appearances for this or any work by Anne Dutton, underscoring its scarcity.
Dutton, Anne. A Treatise on Justification: Shewing the Matter, Manner, Time, and Effects of It. Glasgow: William Smith. Third Edition. 12mo. 185, [7] pp. Period sheep. Rare. Text shows wear, with toning, foxing, and soiling. Marginal water-stains are present, including pink coloration near the end. Hinges are broken but held by cords.