Description

London: Macmillan and Co., 1875. 190 by 135 mm (7½ by 5¼ inches). Original red boards; [4], 196, 48 – ads pp. First edition. Presentation copy. Inscribed by the author in Latin on flyleaf. Appears to state: “To H.T.S. From M.A. Here is devotion! Here is pure faith!” (trans.) Prior owner’s inscription on rear endpaper “Oliver H. Miller. Croton River. Westchester Co. New York.” Housed in a custom slipcase. Very good with light bumping to head and foot of spine; light foxing.

Matthew Arnold (1822–1888) was an English poet and cultural critic. His religious views were unusual for his time and caused much disagreement with his friends. In this book, Arnold seeks to restate and simplify the language of Isaiah XL–LXVI. He pronounces this portion of Isaiah as translated into English “almost or quite unintelligible” (in contrast, the Hebrew text he describes as “genius”). Arnold rewrites the 26 chapters that he gives the new title of: “The Great Prophecy of Israel’s Restoration”.

In vain we seek Arnold’s interpretation of Isaiah. He however states that he draws no conclusions, but lets the text speak for itself. “I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up! and to the south, Keep not back! bring my sons from far and my daughters from the ends of the earth.“ Isaiah 43.5–6 (pg. 48).

Provenance: Collection of Felix Guggenheim (1904–1976).

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