BASKETT BIBLE, 1717-1761

large folio (499 x 302mm.), title and calendar printed in red and black, ruled in red throughout, engraved frontispiece by Du-Bose after J. Thornhill (depicting Moses inscribing the first words of Genesis), general engraved title by G. Vander Gucht (depicting view of Oxford), vignette title to the New Testament (depicting the Annunciation), engraved head- and tail-pieces and initials, streel engravings after Thornhill, Cheron, Laguere and others, CONTEMPORARY OXFORD BINDING IN BLACK MOROCCO GILT, covers panelled with corner-pieces with three hanging leaves, side-pieces amassed from fleurons, stars and circular tools, central lozenge with star at centre, spines in nine compartments elaborately gilt using various leafy, floral and other tools, corner-pieces, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, spine slightly torn at head, edge-wear to binding, hinges starting to crack, small piece torn from outer corner of title, some leaves spotted or browned (particularly New Testament), tear to D4 of Old Testament, some small holes to H1 (with slight loss of letters and to margins), soiling to G4v and H1 of New Testament, a few other minor tears to some leaves

William A. Foyle, red morocco Beeleigh Abbey book-label; the sale of his library at Christie's, 11 July 2000, lot 499

DMH 942A

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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 magnificent edition, printed in large type" (DMH), in a handsome contemporary binding. This edition, which became known as the "Vinegar Bible" (from the misprint in the headline above Luke XX, "The parable of the vinegar [for "vineyard"]" on verso of [G]6) became widely admired for its beauty of type, impression and paper, and the richness of its decoration.