1656 THOMAS HOOKER. The Application of Redemption. Rare American Puritan with Wonderful Provenance.

Well, here is a gem indeed, and nearly unobtainable. It is the first copy we have handled in 25 years. Even more remarkably, it retains some fascinating early American provenance as well. Thomas Hooker [1586-1647] was a prominent early Colonial Puritan divine who founded the Colony of Connecticut. His accomplishments cut an equally impressive course across theology, experimental puritan writing, and political and civic leadership. Considered by many the greatest American preachers of his time and is often credited with having inspired the "Fundamental Orders of Connecticut," which some have called the world's first written representative democratic constitutional document.  Emigrating to the United States in 1629 under pressure from Archbishop Laud's repressive policies, he quickly became a leading voice in the colonies. By 1639, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were ratified, under Hooker's influence, and Western Representative Democracy was born. Theologically and pastorally, he