Pro Vita Monastica; An Essay in Defence of the Contemplative Virtues
Boston: The Atlantic Monthly Press, 1923. Octavo, original blind-stamped brown cloth, gilt spine, top edge gilt, uncut, original printed dust jacket. About fine book, jacket with tape repairs to spine and minor chipping. A near-fine copy. Item #1745
"A CONSIDERATION OF THE RIFT BETWEEN THE WORLD AND THE RELIGIOUS SPIRIT"
First edition of Pro Vita Monastica—Henry Dwight Sedgwick's Essay in Defence of the Contemplative Virtues. Printed by D.B. Updike at the Merrymount Press and published in blind-stamped boards in emulation of a Cathedral-style binding. An excellent copy, which retains the uncommon original decorated dust jacket.
Printed on laid paper with a title page in red-and-black and 5-line initial to open each chapter. The text is preceded with epigraphs by Petrarch, Thomas a Kempis, Milton, and Pascal. In a lengthy Preface (dated, "H.D.S. March, 1923"), the author states his goal and defends the value of the Contemplative Life: "My purpose in this little book is limited to a consideration of the rift between the world and the religious spirit, as it has existed throughout the course of Christianity. For in serenity of spirit depends our power to see truth, to do justice, and think no evil." A short Appendix provides chapter Notes and translations of Quotations.
Price: $150.00