[Penn, William], SELECT WORKS OF WILLIAM PENN, TO WHICH IS PREFIXED A JOURNAL OF HIS LIFE.  London: s.n., 1771.  1^st ed. full calf hardcover w/titling label removed, Crown Folio (16x10”), (4), lxi, (3), (1-2), 3-862pp., binding copy/n.a., ex lib. (The Historical Society of Pennsylvania). The contemporary binding is well worn, rubbed and chipped with some loss, spine leather being dried and both boards detached, kept lacking the front end-papers and pp.853-862 being detached but present with pp. 857-862 showing tears and significant loss, but the various pieces being laid in. It is unknown if the last 5 pages are wholly complete, but appear to be at least majoritively present.   

      This wondrous tome lives in its own custom-made clam-shell box.  It is a suitable candidate for re-backing/rebinding should one desire to do so, the text is remarkably clean with only a small amount of soiling mostly to the title page. 

     The Select Works of William Penn, published in 1771, offers insights into the thoughts and writings of the man most influential among the Quakers.  The book includes various treatises, letters, and theological works written Penn, who played a significant role in the establishment of Pennsylvania and the promotion of religious freedom.  The work addresses: religious tolerance, governance, and spiritual matters, as well as a section at the rear containing his philosophical maxims.  The work is prefaced by a synopsis of Penn’s life, providing the context for many of the actions and experiences that made up his life.  Contained herein also are previously unpublished original letters and papers, shedding light on Penn’s personal and public life.

This work is a valuable resource for understanding William Penn’s contributions to Quakerism, colonial America, and the broader discourse of liberty and justice for all – quite the distinctive book indeed, and a marvelous Capture of Tyme!