67 “The Keys To The Long Lost Prisca Theologia”: First Edition Of Newton’s Observations, 1733 86NEWTON, Isaac. Observations Upon the Prophecies of Daniel, And the Apocalypse of St. John. London, 1733. Quarto, period-style full paneled calf. $7800 First edition of Newton’s only “major work on the subject” of prophecy and symbolic writings, published six years after his death. Newton’s lifelong interest in prophecy produced his only “major work on the subject… Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel” (DSB). Newton “wrestled with this subject until the day he died… continually revising Observations. Like many of his contemporaries, Newton believed that prophecy concealed direct revelations of hidden truths that would reveal to men—very special men—the future course of history as set forth by the Creator from the beginning of time. Like many of his time, Newton “found it no abrupt transition to pass from the study of the material universe to an investigation of the profoundest truths and the most obscure predictions of Holy Writ” (Brewster), and many scholars conclude that he “arrived at his theory of gravity partly through his exploration of alchemy and early biblical theology” (White, 358). An attractively bound copy in fine condition. “The Highest Point In English Bible Printing” 87BIBLE. The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament and the New. Cambridge, 1763. Large, thick folio, early full black morocco gilt rebacked with original spine laid down. $18,000 First Baskerville edition, one of only 1250 copies, an impressive folio production splendidly bound in early full morocco gilt. “Aesthetically, the highest point in English Bible printing so far was John Baskerville’s folio printed at Cambridge in 1763… The Bible uses his types, paper and ink, and shows his characteristic ‘machinemade’ finish: very smooth and even in color and impression, with glossy black ink on smooth paper. The design is traditional, but the quality of material and workmanship is so high, and the conventions are so delicately modified and consistently applied that the result is extremely impressive” (Cambridge History of the Bible, 464). Leaf C2 with marginal closed tear, faint marginal staining to leaves 8K1-2, occasional very faint foxing; interior generally quite clean and fine. Very handsome morocco-gilt binding expertly restored. An excellent copy of this landmark fine press Bible.
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