Beschreibung:

Bible, Greek. Novum Testamentum, 2 parts in 2 vol., collation: a-z8, A-K8; aa-yy8, zz8 (fols. zz7 and zz8 blanks), 528; 361, [3] pp, divisional title to second part containing Epistles and Apocalypse, woodcut printer's device on both titles (Estienne's basilisk as king's printer), and on verso of final leaf of second volume his olive tree device, numerous grotesque and foliated headpieces and initials, ruled in pale red ink throughout, a few marginal notes, reading marks in red ink in second volume, some minor stains and scattered spots, some leaves slightly browned, upper margins occasionally slightly trimmed, minor repair to title of first volume without loss, later 17th-century English red morocco, covers decorated with gilt concentric frame pattern, floral tool at each angle, spines with four raised bands, richly tooled, title and volume numbering lettered in gilt, edges of boards gilt tooled, inner dentelles, comb-marbled pastedowns and flyleaves, green silk bookmarks, gilt edges, a fine copy, 16mo, 117 x 70mm., Paris, Robert Estienne, 7 November, 1546. ⁂ The first Estienne Greek New Testament, the first book issued from the Royal Press established by King François I to use the newly designed and smaller 'cicéro' font of the celebrated grecs du roi. The 1546 edition is also known as the 'O mirifica' edition, from Estienne's preface beginning "O mirificam Regis nostri optimi & prestantissimi principis liberalitatem", in which the printer praises the King for commissioning Claude Garamond to create a new Greek font in order to produce volumes in small format. Robert Estienne based the text on a comparison of the Complutense and the Erasmian editions with sixteen manuscripts. This collation was made by Robert Estienne's own son, Henri. This copy belongs to the second issue, with the Latin colophon at the end of the second volume bearing the imprint date 'VII. Id. November'. A handsome copy from the library of Sir John Trollope, 7th Baronet Trollope of Casewick, Lincolnshire who later became 1st Baron Kesteven. He was President of the Poor Law Board in 1852. Provenance: Early ownership inscription, barely legible, on title of first volume; Sir John Trollope, 7th Baronet Trollope of Casewick (1800-1874; large ex-libris on front pastedown of both volumes); ownership inscription on recto of front flyleaves - 'Mr Trollope 1779' refers to an earlier member of the family, perhaps his father. Literature: Adams B1657; Mortimer, French, 74; Renouard, Estienne, 66:2; Schreiber 90; Darlow & Moule, II, 4616; M. Delaveau-D. Hillard, Bibles imprimée du XVe au XVIIIe siècle conservées à Paris, 2002, 3686.