Unique Auctions in Lincoln is proud to announce the sale of a remarkable collection of religious texts, belonging to the late Dr. Robert S. Paul (1918-1992), a distinguished historian, theologian, and minister, at their upcoming Antiques & Collectors Auction. This extraordinary auction, to be held on 10th November 2024, will feature over 40 books, many of which are rare and in excellent condition, with some editions that have never been seen at auction before.
Highlighting the Collection
Among the standout items in this collection are historical works by theological heavyweights such as Jean Calvin and Richard Baxter. The centre piece of the auction is a 1592 edition of Calvin’s Institutio Christianae Religionis, published in Geneva, with an estimated value between £1,000-£2,000. Other notable works include Calvin’s In omnes Pauli Apostoli Epistolas (1556), and Richard Baxter’s A Christian Directory (1673), both anticipated to fetch between £1,000-£2,000 and £400-£600 respectively.
Additional treasures include Henry Ainsworth’s 1627 work Annotations upon the Five Books of Moses, and a rare first edition of Mary Wollstonecraft’s Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792), with an estimate of £300-£500.
About Dr. Robert S. Paul (1918-1992)
Dr. Robert S. Paul was a renowned ecclesiastical historian and scholar. Educated at St. Catherine’s and Mansfield Colleges, Oxford, he earned his DPhil in 1949 with his thesis on Cromwell, which later became his published book The Lord Protector. Over his illustrious career, Dr. Paul held various prestigious academic positions, including Chair of Puritan Church History at Hartford Seminary and Professor of Modern Church History at Pittsburgh Seminary. His contributions to church history and ecumenical thought were profound, with his participation in the World Council of Churches and his scholarly writings being widely recognized.
Dr. Paul’s final academic appointment was at Austin Seminary in Texas, where he served as Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Christian Thought. In due course, he was honoured with the title of Emeritus Professor. Dr. Paul was an avid collector of theological texts, many of which he carefully maintained by re-binding them to ensure their preservation. Though he donated much of his collection to prominent academic institutions in the United States, the remaining texts in his possession are now coming to auction for the first time.
Auction Details
This rare opportunity to own a piece of ecclesiastical history will take place at Unique Auctions, Lincoln, on 10th November, 2024. The auction will offer collectors and institutions the chance to acquire these treasured texts, which represent a lifetime of dedication to theology and history by Dr. Robert S. Paul.
