Navy cloth binding with gilt title on the spine. Dimensions are for one volume.

We provide an in-depth photographic presentation of this item to stimulate your feeling and touch. More traditional book descriptions are immediately available. 

•  Note: This book carries a £5.00 discount to those that subscribe to the F.B.A. mailing list

Please view our photographs for a 1931 first English edition of Ernst Troeltsch’s landmark theological and sociological work, The Social Teaching of the Christian Churches (originally published in German as Die Soziallehren der christlichen Kirchen und Gruppen). This particular two-volume set, translated by Olive Wyon and published by George Allen & Unwin, is highly regarded as a cornerstone text in the sociology of religion. 

For Appraisals & Reselling

An original 1931 two-volume set in “Good” condition holds stable value for academic collectors, theological libraries, and antiquarian book buyers. 

Book Content

Ernst Troeltsch’s The Social Teaching of the Christian Churches is a foundational work in the sociology of religion, tracing Christian ethics and social structures from the first century through the 18th century. 

The text is most famous for establishing the three ideal types of religious organizations: 

• The Church-Type: Large, conservative institutions integrated with the state that accept secular culture to offer broad salvation through sacraments. 
• The Sect-Type: Smaller, exclusive communities that reject worldly compromise, emphasizing literal obedience to the Gospel and personal fellowship. 
• Mysticism: Individualised, interior faith that focuses on personal spiritual experience over any formal institution. 

Estimated Market Price

For a true 1931 first English edition two-volume set by George Allen & Unwin in “Good” condition, current market values on antiquarian networks vary widely based on the presence of the original dust jackets: 

• Without Dust Jackets (£60 – £100): If the blue cloth boards are bare, showing light fading, corner bumping, or mild shelf-wear typical of a “Good” condition grade, copies usually sell in this tier.