[Cranmer, Thomas, and others]

Certayne Sermons, or Homilies, appointed by the Kynges Maiestie, to be declared and redde, by all persons, Vicars, or Curates, every Sondaye... Richard Grafton, 1549, the first edition to have the homilies divided into parts, title within woodcut border, ownership signature and inscription on title page of George Hutcheon (dated 1684), some further notes in ink in the text, contemporary calf decorated in blind on cover, [STC 13643; Mendham C243], some slight staining, binding repaired with new endpapers, edges and spine worn, lacking final blank, short tear to G1, some soiling and browning to some leaves; The seconde tome of Homelyes... Richard Jugge and John Cawood, 1563, first edition of Book II,  title within woodcut border [McKerrow and Ferguson 111], later calf gilt, notes by Mendham in pencil on front endpaper, [STC 13663; Mendham C244], lacking 4f3, 4G4 and 4H1 (supplied in manuscript), some other tears, soiling and spotting, joints partially split, binding worn at edges; The seconde tome of Homelyes... Richard Jugge and Jhon [sic] Cawood, 1563, another edition of Book II, title within woodcut border [McKerrow and Ferguson 111], later calf gilt, notes by Mendham in pencil on front endpaper, [STC 13665; Mendham C245], some early manuscript annotations to text, later calf with lion device in gilt on upper cover, new endpapers, marbled edges, some staining, binding worn at edges and corners; An Homilie agaynst disobedience and wylful rebellion. Richard Jugge and John Cawood, [?1570], ink notes by Mendham on endpaper, a few early annotations, later calf gilt, [STC 13680.4; Mendham C246], upper cover detached, text spotted, final leaves torn at corners and repaired, final leaf K4 with colophon cropped and mounted, headlines sometimes cropped

John Griffiths, ed. The two books of Homilies, Oxford, 1859

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."

A great landmark in the English Reformation. The Books of Homilies published between 1547 and 1571 are groups of sermons written by Cranmer, Bishop John Jewel and others designed to be read aloud in churches every Sunday and on holy days, with the aim of unifying the reformed English church through one fundamental understanding of scripture (on topics such as sin, prayer, the Resurrection, fasting, idolatry, etc, often against the perceived heresies of the Roman Catholic church) and conveying this to congregations for the first time in their native English tongue. A proclamation of September 1548 banned all other sermons. The reading of the homilies in church is still mandated under Article XXXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles. Grafton had become the King's printer in April 1547 and produced the early editions of the Book of Common Prayer.