Gregory IX, Pope

Median folio (340 x 232mm.), 312 leaves (of 314, without initial and final blank leaves), a¹⁰ b-e⁸ f-g¹⁰ h-m⁸ n¹⁰ o-s⁸ t¹⁰ v-z [et]⁸ [con]¹⁰ [rum] A-C⁸ D-E¹⁰ F-K⁸ L¹⁰, double column, 56 lines of text and 78-80 lines of commentary, gothic type, some headings and colophon printed in red, running titles supplied in two different early hands, early annotations, sixteenth-century blind-stamped calf over (original?) square-cut wooden boards, roll-tooled border with central arms of Hubertus Govaerts, some leather index tabs remaining, some deckle edges, oval library stamp removed from foot of a2, first few leaves with small wormholes and slightly soiled, one wormhole running through first few quires, larger wormhole in h7-l5 with some loss of text, g7 repaired in gutter, p1 slightly scraped, large ink stain on q6, stain on B1, last few leaves slightly spotted, calf relaid over modern calf with slight loss, lower board cracked and repaired

Julianus de Mossenheim (matriculated from the University of Heidelberg in 1535) and Philip de Mossenheim, early inscriptions and manuscript Mossenheim coat-of-arms on inside front cover; Hubertus Govaerts, name on binding; an institution in Freiburg, inscription at head of a2 (partly obscured); sale, Christie's, 9 July 2002, lot 109

Goff G457; HC 8014; BMC ii 423; Bod-inc G-239; BSB-Ink G344; GW 11466

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."

A TALL COPY. Gregory IX's new compilation of papal decrees was first issued in 1234, and Bernardus of Parma worked on the glosses for thirty years. This was known as the Glossa ordinaria and became a standard part of the text of the Decretales. The Decretales was one of the four standard texts of canon law and was republished regularly from about 1470 onwards.