Bible. New Testament. Modern Greek.

first edition of the new testament in modern greek, 4to (238 x 171mm.), woodcut device on title-page, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, old blind-stamped vellum over boards, lacking second part, light staining to preliminary leaves, binding stained, upper joint repaired 

J. Hawkins, signature and date 1811 on front flyleaf

Darlow & Moule 4958; Cathedral Libraries Catalogue B1500; Legrand i, 360-388, no. 266

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The production of this important and attractive publication was sponsored by the States General of Holland (and championed particularly by Cornelis Haga, ambassador of the Low Countries to the Sublime Porte) in an attempt to foster amity between the Reformed and Greek Churches. 1500 copies of this edition were printed. It has the Biblical and Modern Greek versions, the latter by the monk Maximus of Gallipoli, presented in parallel columns. It was authorised by Cyril Lucaris, the Patriarch of Constantinople, who contributes a preface. Lucaris (born in Crete in 1572, and a pupil in Venice of Maximus Margounios) attempted to approximate the Orthodox Church to the Calvinist position. His stance earned him many enemies, both amongst his fellow orthodox and the Jesuits. Ultimately, when Sultan Murad was poised to set forth on the Persian wars, Lucaris was accused of trying to foment revolt, and was summarily executed by the Janissaries in June 1637, and his body cast into the sea. Cyril Lucaris presented Codex Alexandrinus (British Library, MS Royal 1. D. V-VIII) to Charles I in 1627.

The present copy has the four Gospels and the Acts only.