Clement of Alexandria (Merton, Thomas)

Clement of Alexandria: Selections from The Protreptikos (An Essay and Translation by Thomas Merton)

New York, NY: Thomas Merton, 1962. Stapled Wrappers. “CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA who was converted to Christianity in the Second Century, might well be called the father of Christian Humanism. One of his major works, The Protreptikos (from the Greek word 'to persuade'), was a masterpiece of philosophical writing. In explaining Christianity to the cultured Greek pagan, Clement ranged from acute social satire to the loftiest religious contemplation. With a biographical essay and translations of key passages from The Protreptikos, Thomas Merton vividly presents Clement as a thinker who has significance for us today” (from Front Cover Flap). A volume of philosophy and translations by Thomas Merton (1915-1968), the American Trappist monk, mystic, theologian, and social activist. Merton was beloved by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (1919-2021) among others in the Beat Generation and San Francisco Renaissance movements, who cherished Merton’s interfaith understanding. This work is in many ways a reflection of that commitment and is a fitting addition in any Merton-inclusive collection or library. From the collection of Richard Cupidi (b. 1945), our esteemed mate in the UK who managed the fabled Unicorn Bookshop in Brighton, England with Bill Butler (1934-1977, the famed American-expatriate bookseller & publisher). From the late 1960s through the early 1970s, Unicorn proffered & published many outstanding productions by William S. Burroughs, J.G. Ballard et al., some of which have become the scarcest, all-but-unobtainable Beat-&-Beyond collectibles (see for example our item no.s 8217, 8366). After prevailing against censorious harassment efforts, Unicorn closed & Butler died in short order. Cupidi went on to found the Public House Bookshop in Brighton, which had a long & successful run but is also now closed, & he still resides there. We have been honored to obtain what Cupidi has termed "The Last Hurrah," all the remaining treasures of Unicorn & Public House, including this gem. Small-format chapbook in stapled wrappers: First Edition, though not explicated as such on copyright page; First Printing, with no reference to other editions or printings thereon. In fine condition with only minute-to-mild shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge, & some rusting/bleeding to staples at interior & exterior; otherwise quite clean. Fine. [Item #8872]

Price: $60.00