Book of Hours. Use of Sarum. Latin and English

4to (184 x128mm.), black letter, printed in red and black, woodcut initials, a few early marginal notes, lacking title page (*1), x8, F4, F5, and R8, B5-6 bound before B3, margins sometimes shaved or slightly cropped, some holes to early leaves, endpaper loose; [bound with:] Bible, N.T. Liturgical Epistles and Gospels. English. Here geinneth the Pistles & Gospels, of euery Sonday and holy day in the Yeare. [Abraham Vele [J. Kingston and A Sutton for A. Vele, c.1555], woodcut initial, leaves A-Q⁴ only (i.e. lacking R-N⁸), a few small holes in final leaves, some early annotations to both works, Mendham's pencil notes to title page of second work, later calf, manuscript note tipped-in at the beginning (2 pages, signed "Edward Whyte", c. late sixteenth century), later notes by Mendham on another sheet loosely inserted; two works in one volume

Primer: STC16081; Mendham R414
Epistles: STC 2979; Mendham B270

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."

Early editions of the Liturgical Epistles and Gospels were often issued with Primers, as here. There are four main varieties, this being Taverner's version, in which each Epistle and Gospel is accompanied by a brief "postil" or commentary. The evangelical reformer Richard Taverner (1505--1575) also translated Erasmus and was a propagandist for Thomas Cromwell. Some of his commentary or sermons in these editions published from 1540 onwards were used in Cranmer's book of official homilies (see lot 480).