Dictionary of All Religions. By Hannah Adams. Fourth Edition. Eastburn and Co, and Cummings and Hilliard. New York, 1817.

Hannah Adams was an early American author who published religious texts, histories, and memoirs. She was one of the first women in America to support herself financially as a professional author. She was also the cousin of President John Adams. Her religious works were particularly notable for their comprehensiveness and descriptions of countless religions. This volume, Dictionary of All Religions, is a primary example. It was first published as the dictionary section of her 1784 major work, A View of Religions. Subsequent editions followed over the decades as it became one of the most popular reference works on religion in America. Through various editions, the dictionary was revised and expanded. This 1817 fourth edition is one of the earliest attainable examples of the text. It contains dozens of religious denominations–from Abrahamites to Magdalennettes to Yogeys. It also contains an introduction and several appendices.

This fourth edition is in about-fine condition. Rebound in modern quarter leather over marbled boards, near-fine with only fading to spine and minor rubbing to edges and corners. Text block about-fine, only former owner inscription torn from title page and minor assorted foxing and soiling. Printed on rag paper.

A scarce early edition of Dictionary of All Religions by Hannah Adams.