Compiler / Authors: Robbins, Thomas (compiler); Williams, Thomas; Ward, William (1769–1823).
 
All Religions and Religious Ceremonies: In Two Parts. Part I. Christianity—Mahometanism, and Judaism... Part II. A View of the History—Religion—Manners and Customs of the Hindoos... Together with the Religion and Ceremonies of Other Pagan Nations.
 
This is true first edition is an early, ambitious work meant to serve as an encyclopedia of comparative religion for a young nation undergoing intense spiritual revivalism. The volume is highly prized by book historians for binding together two distinct, authoritative perspectives of the era: Thomas Williams’ data-dense global statistical charts and the pioneering ethnographic studies of India by the legendary missionary William Ward.
 
Beyond a mere catalog of beliefs, this text stands as a window into the early 19th-century American mindset, published right as the fires of the Second Great Awakening were reshaping the young republic's religious landscape. For a frontier populace hungry for knowledge but strictly isolated from international travel, this work provided an unparalleled, tangible encounter with the outside world.
 
For the book archaeologist, this 1820s octavo offers immense visual storytelling power, completely collated with its rare suite of 16 full-page engraved plates depicting the vivid costumes, temples, and rituals of the world's faiths—from "Mahometanism" to the polytheistic customs of the East. Imposed on rich, textured American rag paper that carries with it, the beautiful early American print culture, and primitive anthropology of the early 19th century.
 
Illustrations & Plates: Embellished with 16 leaves of separate engraved plates. These black-and-white plates include early American woodcuts and copperplate engravings depicting global religious costumes, temple styles, and ceremonial practices

We provide detailed photographs to allow you to assess the book's condition and aesthetic appeal.