(Bible in Latin) | Anton Koberger's fifth bible, 1479

(Bible in Latin)

Bible in Latin. With additions by Menardus Monachus. Nuremberg: Anton Koberger, 6 August 1479

Folio (360 x 256 mm). 468 leaves, large 14-line initial on fol. i illuminated in gilt, other initials in red, blue, and green, early marginalia throughout; first leaf with repair to gutter and margins, also apparent on cognate leaf, closed tears to fol. xi and xii, early gatherings sprung, repair to long closed tear affecting text in fol. xxiii, several leaves misbound, final gathering repaired at gutter, worming mostly to gutter and margins, a few headlines shaved, dampstained with spotting and soiling throughout. Quarter calf over oak boards, spine with raised bands in seven compartments, edges stained blue; extremities rubbed, joints starting.

A richly illuminated copy of the fifth Koberger Bible, using St. Jerome's Latin Vulgate text.

Koberger, who owned the largest publishing house in Germany at the time, is now best known for his printing of the Nuremberg Chronicle in 1493. The present work is also the fourth edition to contain Menardus Monachus's summary of the gospels.

REFERENCES

Bod-inc B-273; Goff B-564; GW 4239; ISTC ib00564000

PROVENANCE

Acquired from Lucian Goldschmidt, 19 October 1955 — Alexandre Paul Rosenberg (Picasso-designed bookplate to upper pastedown) — Christie's, 23 April 2021, lot 42