A search for the 'origine of Mankind'. A posthumously published compilation of 'loose tracts' by Richard Cumberland (1632-1718), the bishop of Peterborough, tracing the origins of mankind 'into the remotest Antiquity' (Preface). The work is illustrated with 'A Chronological Table for the Ages succeeding the Flood', dated by the author to 2348 BC, with cross-comparisons of biblical, Assyrian, Egyptian and Greek historical events. Thus, the Tower of Babel is built at the time of Prometheus; Isaac is born as the Phoenicians enter Europe; and Moses dies when Thyosimares sits on the throne of Thebes.

First edition; 8vo (20 x 13 cm); armorial bookplate to front pastedown, ownership blindstamp to first few ff., woodcut initials, head and tailpieces; contemporary calf gilt, red morocco lettering piece, lightly rubbed, upper joint slightly cracked, otherwise very good; xxxiii, [7], 480, [8]pp.

ESTC T129071; Bowyer Ledgers 1042.