Cartwright, Thomas. A CONFUTATION OF THE RHEMISTS TRANSLATION, GLOSSES AND ANNOTATIONS ON THE NEW TESTAMENT, SO FARRE AS THEY CONTAINE MANIFEST IMPIETIES, HERESIES, IDOLATRIES…AND OTHER EVILLS. [Leiden]: Printed [by W. Brewster], 1618. Folio, 11.25" x 7". [58], 315, [3], 321-515, 512-761, [19] pp., includes index and errata at end. Period calf boards, rebacked with endpapers renewed (though original fly-leaves also retained.) **************** FIRST EDITION OF CARTWRIGHTS REFUTATION OF THE 1582 RHEIMS CATHOLIC NEW TESTAMENT. The work was printed clandestinely at Brewster's "Pilgrim press" in Leiden. Brewster and his brother were Separatists who published books in Leiden between 1616 and 1619; as they published nothing but Separatist material, their works were suppressed in England. In Leiden, they had the freedom to print as they wished for at least a short while. But under pressure from the British, the Dutch authorities closed the press. At this point, Brewster decided the best course of action for a Puritan was to pack up, get on a ship, and settle elsewhere. The ship he chose was called the Mayflower, the destination was Plymouth, and he would help to found the Plymouth colony in America. An interesting video regarding the Brewster press in Leiden may be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pokdxu9focESTC S107186; STC 4709

Boards with chipped corners retouched. Some faded water-staining (mostly to first half), a few early ink notes or marks, page 333 with a 3" closed tear (no loss of text), occasional light foxing.