Lot 42
  • 42

Bible, English, King James version.

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description

  • The Holy Bible containing the bookes of the Old & New Testament. Cambridge: John Field, 1660[-59]
  • PAPER
folio (497 x 320mm.), 2 volumes with separate title pages, text in double columns,  1660 Book of Common Prayer inserted at the beginning of volume 1 (preceded by engraved royal arms by W. Hollar and dedication to Charles II signed by John  Ogilby), engraved title-page depicting Solomon on his throne, letterpress New Testament divisional title (dated 1659), illustrated with 9 engraved plates (all but one double-page), including folding map of Jerusalem by W. Hollar, red ruled margins, contemporary red morocco gilt, border of a gilt double fillet enclosing a panel of triple fillets and strawberry and  pointillĂ© roll, floral ornaments in the corners, spine divided into eight compartments, panelled and ornately gilt-decorated with circular, floral and other tools, enclosing central arms with motto below ("Nec elata, nec dejecta"), decorated endpapers, all edges gilt, a few repairs to the plates, very minor spotting, occasional slight marginal tears, portion of margin of x4 in volume  excised (repaired, not affecting text), hinges starting, wear to extremities of binding (particularly joints, which are starting to split)

Provenance

[? Northmore family of Cleve Hall, Exeter and Ladock, Cornwall], arms on covers; Annie, Viscountess Cowdray (1881-1932), wife of Weetman Dickinson Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray, bookplate; thence by descent 

Literature

DMH 668, Wing B2258

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

This Bible was a reissue of Field's 1659 Bible, updated to reflect the momentous political change -- including a new title-page that celebrated divinely appointed monarchy by dipicting Solomon enthroned. Copies of this Bible vary considerably in the number of Visscher's plates they contain.

This binding is similar in style to that by the Royal Heads Binder (see  Maggs Bros catalogue 122, Bookbinding in the British Isles, part I, no.40) and other binders of the Restoration period.