2 volumes, quarto (225 x 168 mm). Contemporary gilt-tooled calf, central gilt-stamped oval “IHS” with crucifix surrounded by flames, frames with elaborate scrollwork, spines gilt-stamped with repeated floral stamp; rebacked with original spines laid down, corners mended. Housed in a black flat back cloth solander box by the Chelsea Bindery. Titles within typographic ornament borders, woodcut headpieces and decorative initials. Bookplates of Robert S. Pirie. An occasional minor marginal spot or smudge, a very good copy. First edition of the Roman Catholic version of the Old Testament in English, in a contemporary Douai binding.
Presentation copy from John Knatchbull, vice-president of the English College at Douai to Lady Joanna Berkeley (1555/6–1616), abbess of the Benedictine Convent of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady, Brussels, with his inscription at the head of the title page of vol. 2: “John Knatchbull to the honorable Lady and his most respected mother the Lay Barkley Abbesse of the English Monastery in Bruxells”. The translation from the Vulgate is largely the work of Gregory Martin; the annotations are ascribed to Thomas Worthington, who became president of the College at Douai in 1599.
