Ad Henricum Octavum... pro ecclesiasticae unitatis defensione. de Pole, Reginald, 1500-1558, Cardinal

Rome, Blado [1536?]; reprint Gregg 1965. Hard Cover. Folio; 136 numbered leaves. Pole received instuctions from Henry VIII in 1535 to write his formal opinion on the royal supremacy. From the safety of Europe, Pole sent the Pro unitate ecclesiae (May 25, 1536) for the King's eyes only. It contained a vigorous and severe attack upon royal policy, and argued that Henry was not justified in his divorce and is warned of temporal punishment in the event of his nonsubmission to the divine institution of Papal supremacy. It was printed in Rome, to the King's angered dismay-- it provoked the execution of Pole's mother and brother Henry. Maroon cloth. Good copy, unused. stock#21590.