Catéchisme

1763 · 535 — Philadelphia: Gedruckt bey Heinrich Mille 1763. 8vo. 165 x 95 mm. 6 ½ x 3 ¾ inches. 146 pp. including one folding table. Contemporary calf; rubbed at edges and spine upper board with cracked joint front free endpaper detached; paper stock aged brown a bit fragile at edges otherwise sound. First American edition. Catechism of the Schwenkfelders a German Reform Community that immigrated to Pennsylvania in the 1730's. The teachings were based on the religious ideas of Carl Schwenckfeld the 16th century reformer who considered the Bible a guide for mankind that only became understandable when the Spirit brought the words to life. Heinrich Miller of Philadelphia printed scores of books almanacs and broadsides many like this title of a religious nature. Before opening his own printing house in 1760 he worked with Franklin and William Bradford. He was an enthusiastic supporter of American Independence and through his writing and printing efforts had significant influence in the German community in Pennsylvania and was considered one of Philadelphia's greatest printers. He died in 1782. Evans 9512. Arndt German Language Printing 282. Isaiah Thomas History of Printing in America 1970 pp. 387-89. Gedruckt bey Heinrich Mille unknown books