NEWTON, Sir Isaac. Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John. In Two Parts.

London: Printed by J. Darby and T. Browne, and sold by J. Roberts, J. Tonson, W. Innys and R. Manby, J. Osborn and T. Longman, et al., 1733. First Edition. Quarto. (10.5"x8.5")

The first edition of Sir Isaac Newton’s monumental theological and prophetic study, published posthumously six years after his death by his nephew and literary executor, Benjamin Smith. Newton devoted decades to the meticulous study of biblical prophecy, chronology, and church history, viewing these texts not merely as allegories but as precise historical frameworks governed by identifiable rules.

In this work, Newton applies the same rigorous analytical and chronological methodology that defined his scientific achievements (Principia and Opticks) to the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation (the Apocalypse). He interprets prophetic language as a symbolic code representing the rise and fall of empires, kingdoms, and ecclesiastical powers, famously attempting to calculate the timeline of biblical prophecy and future world events.

Rebound in full crushed black morocco/leather. Spine with five raised bands outlined in gilt rules, lettered in gilt in two compartments ("The Apocalypse" and "Newton").

Pagination & Contents: Complete in two parts:

Part I: Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel.

Part II: Observations upon the Apocalypse of St. John.

Imprint: London, Printed by J. Darby and T. Browne, 1733 (M.DCC.XXXIII).

Condition: Internally bright clean and crisp with only a few faint spots of foxing, ample margins. The binding is sound, tight, and in fine condition.

Observations upon the Prophecies remains Newton’s most important published religious text. It offers an indispensable window into the mind of one of history’s greatest scientific geniuses, illustrating how deeply interwoven theology, ancient history, and natural philosophy were in his intellectual worldview.