The Religious Philosopher by Bernard Nieuwentyt
Object name: The Religious Philosopher by Bernard Nieuwentyt
Object number: CHWJA:JAHB116
Category: Books
Description: The Religious Philosopher: or, the right use of the contemplation of the world, for the conviction of atheists and infidels. By the learned Dr. Nieuwentyt. Translated from the original in Low Dutch, by John Chamberlayne, Esq; F.R.S. Adorn’d with cuts.
London, 1718. Printed for J. Senex in Salisbury-Court, and W. Taylor, at the Ship in Pater-Noster-Row.
Volume 1 only of an 8 volume set. Contemporary panelled calf, maroon morocco label, spine gilt in compartments.
Inscribed at head of front pastedown “Cass. Carnarvon”, and with the later bookplate of James Leigh of Adlestrop.
Made: 1718
Context: This book belonged to Cassandra Carnarvon, one of Jane Austen’s ancestors on her mother’s side.
Cass. Carnarvon was born Cassandra Willughby, daughter of Francis Willughby, one of the 17th century’s greatest naturalists. She was married to James Brydges, a member of the wealthiest branch of Jane Austen’s mother’s family.
Having been made Lord Carnarvon in 1714 James Brydges became the first Duke of Chandos in 1719, the year after the publication of this first volume. The fashion for the name ‘Cassandra’ among the Leighs, which worked its way down even to Jane Austen’s mother and sister, stemmed from this illustrious ancestor.
The book descended through the family to James Leigh of Adlestrop (1724-1774), who lived at Adlestrop Park opposite the parsonage, and whose bookplate is on the pastedown. He was the father of James Henry Leigh, the next incumbent of the park.
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