More, Thomas

Two parts in one volume, 8vo (6 3/8 x 4 1/8 in.; 162 x 105 mm). Black letter, title within a woodcut border (McKerrow & Ferguson 27), woodcut initials, errata leaves Y6–7 at end; first few leaves browned at fore-edge, lacks final blank Y8, the second part somewhat wormed and skillfully restored costing a few letters per page, a few contemporary marginalia.  19th-century brown calf, spine gilt, covers tooled in blind, edges gilt; rubbed, spine restored with original backstrip laid down.  Red buckram clamshell case.

John Patrick Stuart, third Marquis of Bute (Cardiff Castle bookplate) — H. Bradley Martin (Sotheby's New York, 1 May 1990, lot 3065)

STC 18081; Gibson 50

Condition as described in catalogue
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. Composed by More in October 1533 as a reply to christopher St. German's Salem and Bizance (1533, STC 21584), which itself had been written in answer to More's Apologye (1533, STC 18078). Like most copies, this one lacks the bifolium "Sir Thomas More Knyght to the chrysten reader," preserved at the end of the Bodleian (Malone) copy.