RYCAUT (Paul). The Present State of the Greek and Armenian C - Lot 254

RYCAUT (Paul). The Present State of the Greek and Armenian Churches, anno christi 1678. London, John Starkey, 1679 [1678]. In-8, [16] f., 452 p., [2] f., full 19th c. speckled tawny calf, 5-nerved spine decorated with gilt roulette, fawn title page, richly decorated caissons with gilt roulette and fleuron, gilt date on tail, boards decorated with Duseuil-style decoration, marbled edges [S. Kaufmann] (lower board disbound, rubbing to boards, spines, headpieces, corners, boards rubbed, light brown spots). First edition. Historical account of the religious practices, doctrines and situation of the Armenian Greek Orthodox and Apostolic Churches in the XVIIᵉ century. British diplomat and traveler, Paul Rycaut delivers in this work first-hand observations on ecclesiastical structures, theological controversies and relations with the Ottoman Empire. This account is an invaluable source for understanding the challenges faced by Christian communities under Ottoman rule, and remains an essential reference for the study of Eastern Christianity in modern times. Provenance: label in Greek on upper flyleaf: Μεγας Διδασκαλοστογ Εν Ελλαδι Τεκτονικογ Ταγματοσ.