Bible. English

The Holie Bible Faithfully Translated into English, out of the authentical Latin... With Arguments... and other helpes, for better understanding of the text: for discouerie of Corruptions in some late translations: and for clearing Controversies in Religion. Douai: Laurence Kellam, 1609-1610, 2 volumes with separate title pages dated 1609 and 1610, modern antique-style panelled calf gilt, gilt edges, spines in six compartments, red morocco labels; [with] The New Testament of Iesus Christ, Translated Faithfully into English. Rheims: John Fogny, 1582, modern antique-style calf decorated in blind, marbled endpapers, all edges red, spine in six compartments, red morocco label

2 works in 3 volumes, 4to (200 x 152mm.; 215 x 153mm.), titles within borders of printer's ornaments, text in roman type, woodcut head- and tail-pieces, woodcut initials, ownership signature dated 1622 on V1 recto of first volume of Old Testament, cropped early annotation at head of title page of New Testament, later inscription on front endpaper of New Testament (quotation from Saint Augustine), [Old Testament:] some damp-staining in both volumes (particularly affecting early leaves in first volume), slight worming to lower margins at beginning of second volume, title page to second volume slightly trimmed at outer edge; [New Testament:] some damp-staining and browning, occasionally heavy (particularly at the beginning and end)

William O'Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899 in all volumes; [Old Testament:] pencil note, probably in O'Brien's hand "from the Herts collection..."

DMH 300, 177; STC 2207, 2884

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."

THE EDITIO PRINCEPS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC VERSION OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS IN ENGLISH, known collectively as the "Douay-Rheims version" (or the "Douay Bible"), which remained highly popular throughout the English-speaking world for nearly four hundred years. The translation was essentially the work of the priest and translator Gregory Martin (?1542-1582), who joined the College at Douai in 1570, with printed annotations by Richard Bristow, the Moderator, with further annotations and tables in the Old Testament attributed to Thomas Worthington, president of the College from 1599. The Rheims New Testament exerted great influence on the King James version of 1611, transmitting to it an extensive vocabulary and many distinctive phrases.