Langland, William.

4to (190 x 136mm.), third edition, black letter, woodcut initials, without Pierce the Plowman's Crede at the end, antique blind-stamped calf,  speckled edges, dark green endpapers, occasional spotting and browning, upper joint partially cracked, wear to edges of binding

J.J. Conybeare,  ownership signature on front endpaper, 1809; later signature "R.A. Potts" with inscription, endpaper

STC 19908;   Pforzheimer 799 (also lacking the Crede); Hayward 12 

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."

fourth edition of the most important work in middle english aside from chaucer's "canterbury tales".

This copy, as is often the case, lacks the Crede called for in the title, and present in some copies (actually a reprint of STC 19904). Pierce the Ploughman's Crede is a further alliterative poem by an unknown author, heavily influenced by Langland, to whom it pays tribute. It is often absent in this edition owing to its being proscribed for its Wycliffite doctrine and sustained social criticism.

Bound in at the end is the single leaf  "Song. Penned by John Grange", given as "Imprynted at London by Henry Bynneman, 1577", but apparently a ninteenth-century printing.