The History of the Church of Malabar, from the time of its being first discovered by the Portuguese in the Year 1501. Together with the Synod of Diamper

Michael Geddes

Edité par Printed for Sam. Smith and Benj. Walford, London, 1694

A propos de cet article

A highly important and early English account of the Church of Malabar, documenting one of the most significant religious and colonial encounters in early modern India. First published in 1694, this work provides a detailed narrative of the Portuguese intervention in the ancient Christian communities of the Malabar Coast and the subsequent Synod of Diamper of 1599.

The Synod of Diamper represents a pivotal moment in ecclesiastical history, where the Roman Catholic Church, under Portuguese influence, sought to bring the long-established St Thomas Christians of India into conformity with Roman doctrine. Geddes, writing from an Anglican perspective, presents a critical and often controversial examination of these events, making the work not only historical but polemical in nature.

This places the book at the intersection of colonial expansion, religious authority, and early global Christianity. It is one of the earliest English-language sources to analyse these developments and remains a key text for scholars of church history, colonial studies, and Indo-European relations.

The presence of the imprimatur dated February 1693 confirms official ecclesiastical approval prior to publication, further grounding the work in its contemporary religious framework. The dedication to Gilbert, Lord Bishop of Sarum, reinforces the Anglican intellectual and political context in which the book was produced.

Surviving copies in original or early bindings are increasingly scarce. As a late 17th century imprint tied directly to a major historical religious event, this is a serious and desirable piece for collectors of early printing, ecclesiastical history, and colonial literature.

Bibliography;

Wing G498
First edition, 1694

Condition;

Contemporary calf binding, worn but structurally intact. Loss to spine and surface wear consistent with age. Boards rubbed and marked. Internally clean with toning and light spotting. Text complete and legible throughout. A solid and honest 17th century survival.

Why This Matters;

A primary source account of the Synod of Diamper and the transformation of early Indian Christianity under European influence. Works of this period and subject are both historically important and increasingly difficult to source in complete form.

Offered by Atlas Rare Books, specialists in rare and antiquarian books.

N° de réf. du vendeur ABE-1775635931597

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: The History of the Church of Malabar, from the time of its being first discovered by the Portuguese in the Year 1501. Together with the Synod of Diamper
• Éditeur: Printed for Sam. Smith and Benj. Walford, London
• Date de parution: 1694
• Langue: anglais
• Reliure: Couverture rigide
• Édition: Edition originale
• État de l'article: Satisfaisant