Bible. New Testament. Greek

2 volumes in one, folio (334 x 215mm.), woodcut basilisk device on title-pages, "noli altum sapere" device on final verso, woodcut initials and headpieces, woodcut borders for the Eusebian canons, eighteenth-century red morocco gilt, gilt fillets and thistle corner-pieces on covers, spine gilt in compartments with floral motif, edges gilt, very slight spotting, lower cover scuffed, joints slightly worn, some wear to extremities

Gabriel Cha[?], partially erased inscription on title-page

Darlow & Moule 4622; Mortimer, Harvard French 78; Renouard, Estienne, p.75; Schreiber 105

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 edition, known as the Editio regia, includes critical apparatus in the margins indicating variant readings taken from manuscripts (including the Codex Bezae) and the Complutensian Polyglot (lot 15). However, the variant readings brought Robert Estienne into trouble with the Sorbonne, who viewed any change to the divine word as heretical. Estienne removed himself and his press to Geneva, where the firm became well established. This critical edition was used as the basis for the textus receptus and was particularly influential in England.