Bernardinus Senensis

Chancery 4to in half sheets (210 x 143mm.), 25 leaves (of 26, without final blank), [a-c⁸ d²], 27 lines, 4-line initial in blue with red penwork decoration, 3-line initials in red or blue with manuscript guide letters, red initial strokes and underlining, red and blue paraphs, early manuscript signatures, watermark of two keys [Briquet 3819], nineteenth-century wrappers, somewhat soiled, last leaf detached, binding rubbed

Johannes --, early inscription on final verso (obscured); Duke of Sussex, armorial bookplate, sale, Evans, 1844-1845 (this work not found in the catalogue); John Fuller Russell, sale, Sotheby's, 26 June 1885, lot 108; William O'Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899, his pencil note "From the Russell Library"

Goff B348; HC 2833; BMC i 183; Bod-inc B-166; GW 3884; Grosjean & O'Connell 17

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

FIRST EDITION, and the first work by the prolific preacher Bernardino of Siena to appear in print. He was particularly devoted to the Virgin Mary.