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A splendid example of a rare chained binding. [24], 742, [14], last quire is 3Rp4s (as ESTC S93364) Index. Small thick folio, 11" x 7.5" (28 cm x 19 cm) , chained binding, leather over heavy wooden boards. Imprinted at London in Fleetestreate, at the signe of the Elephante, by Henry VVykes, ; anno 1567.27. Octobris. Black letter, italic and roman type, title with large woodcut printer's mark, numerous large floriated initials throughout. The first edition of Jewel's defense of Anglican theology, in an ongoing and vigorous debate with Roman Catholic priest Thomas Harding. The book is housed in leather-covered heavy beveled wooden boards with a 24" long complete chain, with 13 oblong links including the final bowling-pin-shaped link, bolted to the front cover, indicating that the book was once part of a scholarly/theological library, probably in England. Hand-wrought chains were used to fasten books securely to a shelf, since books at the time were often so valuable they were chained in place to deter thieves. With the passage of time chained bindings have become quite rare: in fact, the Folger Shakespeare Library highlights one of their books as having "one of a few existing examples of a chain binding. " [Folger: Collection Highlights]. This is another. One of the original leather and chased metal clasps is still present. The leather has numerous repairs, including old metal strips nailed at the front and back joints. Rebacked with 5 raised bands. Newer endpapers with reinforcement at the gutter. The title page is a bit grubby with a 1707 owner inscription in brown ink, top edge repaired. Occasional minor soiling, very occasional marginalia, last leaf a bit grubby, as well, with another old Latin inscription, some small worming holes and another small hole which appears to be a small (ink? ) stain that's degraded the paper in a few small spots. Small bit of worming near the back, occasionally touching text. Some leaves closely trimmed at the top sometimes affecting headlines, top of 507 repaired, but otherwise clean and sturdy. Published as part of a furious and long-standing debate with Catholic Thomas Harding, the book ensured that Jewel became recognised as "the champion of, and for a time the most famous bishop in, the English reformed church." The argument, and this book, were an important part of the English Reformation that happened during the reign of Elizabeth I and shaped the Anglican Church into the future. An important first edition Elizabethan English book, in a splendid chained binding. ; Folio 13" - 23" tall; 742 pages. Seller Inventory # 12484
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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Defence of the Apologie of the Churche of ...
Publisher: Henry Wykes, At the Signe of the Elephante October 27, 1567, London
Publication Date: 1567
Binding: Leather
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket
Edition: First Edition.
