Bible in Welsh

Folio (16 1/2 x 10 7/8 in.; 419 x 276mm). Black letter, double column, title-pages with elaborate woodcut borders, woodcut head- and tailpieces and decorative and historiated initials, 12-page calandar printed in red and black, with blanks 4E6 and (at end) [Y4]; a little marginal dampstaining, tiny wormholes in some leaves at end, scarcely affecting text. Early eighteenth-century calf gilt, spine gilt in seven compartments, maroon and orange lettering-pieces, covers with one-line border with Dysert arms in the center, metal clasps; rubbed, few small repairs, principally to joints.

Sir Francis Furst of Hill Court (armorial bookplate) — the Earls of Dysart, Helsingham Hall (arms stamped in gilt on covers) — Lionel Robinson (his sale, Sotheby's London, 26 June 1986, lot 13) 

Darlow & Moule 9585; STC 2348

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The second edition of the Bible in Welsh. The Tollemache-Dysart/Helmingham copy. this bible was a revision by Richard Parry, Bishop of St. Asaph, of William Morgan's version of 1588. "This revised Bible was printed in folio size, and copies were supplied to all churches in Wales. It became, and still remains, the standard edition of the Welsh Bible" (Darlow & Moule).

This copy comes from the library at Hlmingham Hall, Suffolk, the seat of the Tollemach family, first created baronets in 1611, becoming later through marriage Earls of Dysart. Sir Lionel Tollemache (1708–1770) took a great interest in the library and had many of the books handsomely rebound in the 1730's and 40's. Sotheby's held a sale of the library in 1965, but this volume was not included.  The book also bears the large armorial bookplate, celebrated for its twenty-four quarterings, of Sir Francis fust of Hill Court.

An exceptionally attractive tall copy.