1637 – Life of Constantine – Eusebius | First English Edition – Beautiful Binding

Eusebius was a 4^th-century early church historian who is often known as the Father of Church History, much in part to his book Church History. While Church History is his most famous work, he did publish an important work on the life of Constantine the Great. This work is considered to be one of the most influential texts of late antiquity, covering Constantine’s conversion, reign, and defense of Christianity.  This work examines Constantine’s opposition to polytheism and idol worship, his defense of the Christian faith, his prayers, and the political consequences of his death.

This 1637 English printing is the first English edition of this iconic work. It also contains Constantine’s celebrated Oration to the Clergy, a theological discourse directed against pagan religion. Note the beautiful, near-fine leather binding.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Eusebius his life of Constantine in foure bookes
• Author(s): Eusebius of Caesarea
• Publisher: London, printed by Thomas Cotes, for Michael Sparke
• Edition: First English edition, 1637.
• Binding: Modern full leather binding
• Format: (4to), single volume
• Size:  11.25 in x 7.5 in (29 cm x 19 cm)
• Collation: 163 pp
• Contents Include:
  • Life of Constantine in Four Books
  • Constantine’s conversion and reign
  • Attacks on polytheism and idol worship
  • Defense of Christianity
  • Constantine’s Oration to the Clergy
• Reference(s): Wing E 3417

Condition:

Near Fine. Modern full leather binding with decorative tooling. Corners remain sharp with no rubbing or wear noted. Some pages show staining. Text remains fully legible throughout.

Why Collect This?

• First English translation of a foundational Christian historical text
• Principal contemporary source for the reign of Constantine the Great
• Includes Constantine’s Oration to the Clergy

Item Number: # 50514