(Bible in Latin) | Amerbach's 1486 "fontibus ex Graecis" edition

(Bible in Latin)

[Biblia Latina]. [Basel: Johann Amerbach], 1486

Folio (300 x 205 mm). 534 leaves (of 538), Gothic letter in two 48-line columns plus headline, except "Interpretationes" which is three columns, large hand-drawn initials in red, red initial-strokes; substantial repairs to first leaf affecting text, repairs to a10, r6, and Dd2, smaller marginal tissue tape repairs throughout, two gatherings misbound (c preceding b, affecting Genesis and Exodus, and m preceding l, affecting Judges, Ruth, and 1 Kings), primarily marginal staining, spotting, and soiling, a few closed tears and holes, top edges shaved affecting some headings, instances of red ink offset, edges chipped, contemporary manuscript notes throughout, including full-page index of the books on Nn8v. Embossed pigskin over original wooden boards, spine with raised bands in five compartments, remnants of brass clasps, "biblia" manuscript note to fore-edge; rebacked, worn with loss to extremities.

Collation available upon request.

A rare "fontibus ex Graecis" incunable edition of the Bible in Latin.

The so-called "fontibus ex Graecis" editions of folio Bibles "claim for themselves—apparently with justice—a superiority above all contemporary editions" (Darlow and Moule, p. 911). The name comes from the opening words of a Latin poem within each, which begins, "Fontibus ex Graecis Hebraeorum quoque libris," or, "From the Greek and Hebrew sources" (present here on leaf Mm10). There were ten such editions printed from 1478 to 1489; the present lot is one of two printed in 1486. There are 68 copies held in institutions today.

REFERENCES

BMC iii 749 (IB. 37297); Darlow & Moule, p. 911; Goff B-581; GW 04258; HC 3094; ISTC ib00581000; Proctor 7571; USTC 740077