The Old and New Testament Connected in the History of the Jews and Neighbouring Nations, Humphrey Prideaux, 1763

Humphrey Prideaux’s The Old and New Testament Connected is a major 17th–18th century work of biblical historiography, first published in 1715–17. Aimed at reconciling sacred and secular history, the text explores the period between the decline of the Hebrew kingdoms and the birth of Christ, drawing on both scriptural and classical sources to frame a coherent chronological narrative. Prideaux (1648–1724), Dean of Norwich and a prominent Anglican theologian, sought to provide English readers with a scholarly yet accessible guide to the ancient world through a Protestant lens. This four-volume Glasgow printing of 1763 represents the 13th edition, a testament to the work’s enduring popularity well into the Enlightenment period.

The Old and New Testament Connected in the History of the Jews and Neighbouring Nations, From the Declension of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah, to the Time of Christ. By Humphrey Prideaux, D.D., Dean of Norwich. In Four volumes, complete.

Published in Glasgow: Printed for William Coke In Edinburgh. The Thirteenth Edition, 1763.

A good set of 4 full contemporary calf leather volumes. Covers with some age commensurate wear, scuffing and bumping. With raised bands to spine, and gilt numbering. The morocco title labels to spine are largely absent, with some remains. With small private library reference labels near tail of spine. Some cracking to inner hinges, but all still soundly bound.

Text is bright and clean throughout, with only occasional minor age-related flaw such as a minor spot or small worm hole. The frontispiece to Vol I is detached and there is no title page to this volume. The 2 additional Vol I Plates are both present, one detached, but as called for.

Provenance: Signed by Anthony Murray of Crieff, and bearing matching private library spine label consistent with other known books from the Murray family collection. Murray, known as “Auld Dullerie,” was part of a scholarly Scottish lineage with connections to the University of Leiden, the Jacobite rising, and military and scientific service through the 18th and 19th centuries.

Language: English.

Vol I: (1) Frontispiece + (2) Dedication to Daniel, Earl of Nottingham + xxIII Preface + 328pp + (2) Plates; 

Vol II: (2) Title Pages + (1) + 329-593pp + (18) Chronological Table to the Foregoing History + (22) Index to Volumes I and II; 

Vol. III: xx including Title page, dedication & Preface + 1-388pp; 

Vol IV: 389-713pp including title + (42) Chronological Table to the Foregoing History + (36) Index to Volumes III and IV; 

Dimensions: each volume approximately 211mm high x 131mm wide x 28mm deep.

Unpacked weight approximately 1846g (the set).