Bible in Irish

4to (9 1/2 x 7 1/8 in.; 241 x 181 mm). Title in Irish and English, text in Irish type in 2 columns, decorative initials; some soiling to first few leaves, but generally a clean and crisp copy, lacks initial blank, but terminal blank present.  Contemporary calf, rebacked in calf, green morocco gilt lettering piece on spine and gilt arms of Lincoln's Inn Library at foot of spine; original calf rubbed and with edges worn.

Lincoln's Inn Library (supralibros at foot of spine)

Darlow & Moule 5534; Wing B2711

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.

First edition of the Old Testament in Irish. The inspiration for the first Irish translation was William Bedel (1571–1642), a Protestant clergyman who was Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh.  Unlike many Church of Ireland clergymen, he was not hostile to the native Catholic population. He believed the Irish speakers in his diocese could be converted to Protestantism if they were treated with kindness and given Bibles in their own language.  Bedel employed Murtagh King and James O'Neil to undertake the translation. Bedel was a considerable Irish scholar himself and reviewed and corrected the work. It was completed in 1640, but Bedel perished after being imprisoned in a damp and cold semi-ruined fort during the rebellion of 1641. The manuscript was rescued and shepherded through publication by friends and supporters. 500 copies were finally published in 1685.  Of this edition, 80 copies were sent to the Scottish Highlands for use in parishes there.  Scottish Gaelic speakers, however, could not read the Irish characters and the Bibles proved useless.  A Gaelic Bible with Roman type was produced five years later (see next lot).