FIRST EDITION OF THE 1668 “PREACHING BIBLE”, IN LOVELY CONTEMPORARY MOROCCO-GILT BINDING

(BIBLE). The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and the New… Cambridge: John Field, 1668, 1666. Two volumes. Quarto, contemporary full black morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine and covers, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $3500.

Lovely 17th-century Preaching Bible, with engraved architectural title page by John Chantry.

Engraved general title page by Chantry dated 1668, printed New Testament title page dated 1666. “This edition is sometimes known as the ‘Preaching Bible,’ being well adapted for pulpit use; it is printed in small type, with a very full page” (Herbert 697). Darlow and Moule 548. Wing B2277. Bookplates, early owner notations on front and rear flyleaves.

Sections of blank flyleaves neatly cut out, pages spotted, some heavily. A very handsome copy in unrestored contemporary morocco-gilt.