Bible, Latin.

12mo (154 x 94mm.), engraved title, roman letter, double column, ruled in red, contemporary London binding by the 'Naval Binder' of black morocco gilt, covers with large centre-pieces inlaid in citron morocco with characteristic central narrow oval, inlaid red morocco cornerpieces, surrounded by leafy sprays, stems, tulips and carnations, some of the flowers inlaid in red or citron, spine in six compartments with similar decorations, all edges gilt and painted with tulips and carnations, gauffered edges, marbled endpapers, lower hinge partially split, binding worn at edges and on spine, further slight wear to covers

George Barbon; Anthony Allen; John Harrison (all eighteenth-century ownership inscriptions on verso of final leaf); J.R. Abbey, bookplate and ink shelf-mark on rear endpaper (J.A. 2101 | 27:10:1939); the sale of his library, Part III, Sotheby's, 19-21 June 1967, lot 1678

DMH 6244

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."

An exquisite and characteristic example of the work of the Naval Binder (so christened by H.M. Nixon because of the workshop's close connection to the Navy Office), who was one of the finest London craftsmen of his day (see Nixon and Foot, The History of Decorated Bookbinding in England). The bindery was active in the 1670s and 1680s, producing well-proportioned and carefully tooled bindings with more attention to headbands and sewing than was usual for the period. For other examples see: Nixon, Five Centuries of Bookbinding, no.41; Nixon, English Restoration Bookbindings, nos.79-82 and 116; Nixon, Catalogue of the Pepys Library, nos. 47a and 47b; and Foot, The Henry Davis Gift, II, nos. 122 and 123. A very similar example was also sold in our English Literature sale of 17 December 1998, lot 64.