FULL TITLE: LA SAINCTE BIBLE, CONTENA(N)T LE VIEIL & NOUVEAU TESTAMENT, TRADUICTE DE LATIN EN FRANÇOIS PAR LES THÉOLOGIENS DE L'UNIVERSITÉ DE LOUVAIN
Published by Thibaud Ancelin, imprimeur du Roy, Lyon, 1605
Translated by Christophe Plantin
DESCRIPTION:
An exquisitely rendered French Holy Bible, translated from the Polyglot of Christophe Plantin published in 1569-1573. Rebound in a beautiful 1/2 leather binding with marbled boards and gold-gilt red morocco title label on leather spine. Exceptionally rare early reprint of the translation made by members of the theological faculty at Louvain and first published in 1550. Containing the complete books of both the Old & the New Testament. Embellished with a series of apprx. 200 column-width woodcut text illustrations, including an engraved general title. Published by Thibaud Ancelin, imprimeur du Roy, Lyon, 1605. Title for New Testament also imprinted a Lyon, Thibaud Ancelin, 1605. New Testament title embellished with woodcut bust of Jesus Christ in circular vignette surrounded with the words "Ego Sum Via Veritas et Vita". Conclusion of Old Testament embellished with an elaborate woodcut engraved end-piece. Includes Descriptions des Annees Depuis la Creation du Monde, jusques a l'an present 1599. Enriched by the learned tables written by Fr. Jean Harlemius (c. 1537-1578), of the University de Louvain.
Striking front title illustration displays vignettes engraved on wood of Moses & Aaron, as well as the creation of Eve & the four evangelists writing their gospels. With introductory summations including exquisitely engraved capital initials for the opening of each book. Delicate woodcut initials found at the opening of each chapter. Also decorated with headpieces, as well as several stunning tailpieces signed "T A". This edition based closely on its 1599 parent edition, which was also printed by Thibaud Ancelin.
With "Privilge du Roy" and approbation dated 1572, as well as later approbations dated 1581. Text printed in double column. Both Testaments paginated at upper corners. Four raised bands on spine. Beautifully tipped-in marble end-papers. Overall a beautifully preserved and rarely seen early 17th century illustrated edition of the French Louvain Holy Bible.
Ex-libris bookplate of Pierre Besnard on front paste-down.
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CONDITION: Good condition; 1st page of Genesis lacking and redone with a delicately hand-written page bound in (see photograph); text otherwise complete; beautifully rebound with 1/2 leather marbled boards; contents browned with occasional foxing & age spots; text completely legible with light marginal dampstaining throughout as well as more serious dampstaining affecting OT pg.176-350 and also the last section of the book at NT pg.200 (see photographs); general title & final page of index have both been reinforced with new end-papers laid down; general title well-preserved overall and shows light soiling & small chips of its edges with its lower margin trimmed; New Testament title with inked signatures of previous ownership; ex-libris bookplate on front-pastedown. BOOK MEASUREMENTS: 10.5 in (L) X 7 in (W), (2.5 in thick) TOTAL LENGTH: xii, 960 pages (old), 273 pages (new), with 75 page index |