[Anderton, James]

4to (176 x 136mm.), woodcut initials and ornaments, later burgundy horizontal straight-grained morocco decorated in blind and gilt, some spotting and browning, headlines slightly shaved or cropped towards the end, extremities of binding very worn and rubbed, first title page slightly torn at outer edge with repair

William O’Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899

STC 3605 (also with title page of STC 3604.5); Allison & Rogers II, 20; Milward, Religious Controversies of the Jacobean Age, 514; Lowndes I, p. 262

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing unless otherwise stated
"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."

This is an enlarged edition of the work first published in 1604, which initiated a new form of controversial literature that aimed to refute its opponents using his, or his supporters', own words. The Protestants Apologie aimed to establish Catholic claims "by the testimonies of the learned Protestants themselves". The original version proved "something of a sensation" on publication and was "frequently praised and imitated by subsequent Catholic apologists" (Milward). The 1608 edition appears in two issues. The present copy contains both the original first issue title page, and the reprinted one with new preliminary leaves which comprises the second issue. These additional leaves form an attack on Thomas Morton who had answered the first edition.