Perkins, William.

8vo, woodcut device on title-page, woodcut initials, 5 letterpress folding plates, old vellum, red morocco lettering-pieces, title-page soiled and slightly torn (not affecting image), short closed tear to plate 2, small tears to plate 3 (with slight loss not affecting text), plates 2 and 3 slightly soiled, worming to inner margin of a few leaves, some small marginal tears and creases  

STC 19656.5

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."

Perkins (1558-1662) enjoyed a dissolute youth, but became a clergyman and a highly influential theologian with Calvinist leanings, his writings becoming phenomenally popular beyond academic and ecclesiastical circles. Armilla aurea synthesises the theological outlooks of Peter Ramus and Theodore Beza. Both these authors employed charts to summarise their philosophies, and the use of letterpress plates is a particularly attractive feature of Perkins' work.

Legate had been University Printer since 1589 and Perkins was his bestselling author. Legate had published the first edition of Armilla aurea in 1590 and the importance of Perkins to him can be judged from his successful appeal against the London printer Edward White who had produced an English translation of Armilla aurea (A golden chaine). A full account of Legate's career and his association with Perkins is given by David McKitterick in A History of Cambridge University Press (CUP, 1992), pp. 109-135. (See also lot 16)

This is a rare edition. STC records two copies only (in Cambridge University Library and New York Public Library). There was also an undated edition in 1592.