God And Reason: Lectures Upon The Primary Truths Of Natural Religion.

New York: Robert Coddington, 1884. First Edition. At the time the book was published the author was domestic prelate to Pope Leo XIII (1881-88), and this copy was presumably specially bound for presentation to the Pope. A letter dated Rome, December 26, 1903, addressed to Mons. W.Howard Chandler from G. Clapin (letter & posted cover mounted on card) attests to the fact that the book came from the Pope's private library and is given by Clapin as a gift. We have been unable to uncover any details respecting Haddon & Co., which in all likelihood was a New York bookbinding firm. Preston began his career as an Episcopalian cleric, converting to Catholicism in 1849. In 1853 he was appointed secretary to Archbishop John J. Hughes, who promoted him in 1855 to the chancellorship of the diocese, an office which he administered until his death. As a vicar-general from 1783 to 1791 he is credited in large part with the successful conduct of the archdiocese under Archbishops McCloskey and Corrigan. He was noted for his conservative views and his active involvement in social relief work. "In recognition of his versatility as a confessor, preacher, and writer, he was appointed a domestic prelate to His Holiness (Dec. 13, 1881 and later a prothonotary-apostolic (August 21, 1888) by Pope Leo XIII. 8vo. pp. 241. presentation binding by Haddon & Co. presumably of New York: tan calf, covers paneled in gilt & with red leather onlays, central oval stamp in gilt with red leather onlays of Saint Peter, lettered 'Ubi Petrus, Ibi Ecclesia', surrounded by 'Sanctitati Suae Leoni XIII Pont. Max. 1884'. spine gilt with red leather labels, crimson silk doublures, all edges gilt (moderately scuffed & soiled, most of gilt in surrounding lettering on cover worn off)