Eusebius Caesariensis and Bede

Chancery folio (245 x 176mm.), 160 leaves, [234]⁶ a⁸ b-n⁶ o⁸ p-z⁶ A-B⁶, double column, 50 lines plus headline, 3- to 8-line initials supplied in red, red initial-strokes and underlining, early seventeenth-century blind-stamped pigskin over wooden boards, coat of arms stamped in black on upper cover with the date 1615, blue edges, two clasps, early annotations in several different hands in black and red ink (some cropped), a few headlines cut close, n3-4 slightly browned, a few small stains on o1, light damp-staining at head, binding slightly soiled

Library of the Benedictine monastery of St Stephen, Würzburg, early inscription on title-page (dissolved in 1803); unidentified arms on binding dated 1615; armorial bookplate, probably of Perrota of Languedoc; G. Bocquer, acquired from his library in 1824; Rev. Richard Wilson, Plummer Cottage, Otley (Yorkshire), inscription on inside front cover dated 1857; Peter John Bruff, armorial bookplate (Ipswich 1845-Oslo 1913)

Goff E129; HC 6714; BMC i 162; GW 9439; Bod-inc E-046

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

This is the second edition of Bede's History of the English People; it was first published in Strassburg in about 1475. Bede was heavily influenced by the writings of Eusebius of Caesarea and, like him, included copies of documents in his text.

This copy contains evidence of close reading and study by its earliest readers.