Golden Gleanings, The. All Faithfulls in 2 large slipcases.
[Faithfull, Emily]. Shirley, John. The Golden Gleanings: Being Sketches of Female Character from Bible History. London: Emily Faithfull…1863.
Small 8vo.; pages lightly, evenly yellowed, else fine; two page catalogue of other Faithfull publications bound in at rear; tiny binder’s ticket from Kelly & Sons on bottom edge of rear pastedown; bookplate of Robin de Beaumont on front pastedown, contemporary inscription just above; brown cloth, stamped in blind and gilt; a fine copy.
First edition of this very early study of women’s role in biblical history, anticipating by 32 years Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s 1895 work on the same subject. In this small but thorough work the author studies “the character” of major female biblical figures in 27 chapters. His subjects include Eve, Sarari (sic), Lot’s wife, Rebekah, Rachel, Jochebed (the mother of Moses), Miriam, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, and others.
An interesting and curious work in which the author, through flowery language and a gentle approach, attempts to resurrect the reputation of various female biblical characters and tries to place them in the historical context he feels they deserve. An instance of the author’s approach to his subjects follows:
Ruth! Rachel! Naomi!
These, indeed, are names recalling scenes more touching and of
greater interest than any which are to be found in the whole range
of ancient or modern history…(p. 133)
A fine copy of a scarce important work in the history of women’s theological study.
(#5190)
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