In George II Royal Binding: The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and the New - the "Vinegar Bible"

Two volumes in one. Large, stout folio. Double column, with columns separated by double rule. Text ruled in red and title pages printed in red and black. Engraved vignette title pages for Old and New Testaments, the latter dated 1716. With the engraved additional general title page by cartographer and renowned illustrator John Sturt (1658–1730). With striking copper-engraved vignette head- and tail-pieces, and many engraved historiated initials. Complete with Apocrypha.Marbled endpapers. All edges gilt. Bound in contemporary full black morocco rebacked with original, elaborate gilt-tooled spine neatly laid-down, gilt-tooled arms of King George II featuring the motto "Most Noble Order of the Garter," as centerpieces and his monogram in spine compartments, raised bands, and gilt-decorated borders. Only moderate wear to the splendidly complete royal binding. First edition of the monumental, illustrated "Vinegar Bible," with additional title page, engraved by John Sturt, including the vignette of a church interior featuring the figures of Moses, Aaron, et al., (per Darlow and Moule). (According to the DNB, Sturt "specialized in miniature work, and it was said that he could engrave the creed on a silver penny [but] could also work on a large scale, and in 1692 he produced a notable engraving of Britannia, the royal first capital ship of England, printed on four sheets".) Presented in a handsome King George II armorial binding. Carter notes that " . Bibles with the royal arms may have come from one of the Royal Chapels - but they may equally have come from any loyal parish church" (ABC, p. 157. That said, a limited print run, coupled with the high cost of Baskett's elaborate opus, would suggest the former.In 1709 printer John Baskett secured the exclusive royal patent to print Bibles in England. Of those he and his family published, this is the most magnificent, being a triumph of legible, elegant, type that contributes to an easy readability accessible today. Alas, a typographical error in the running head of Luke XX (among other typos) rendered the parable of the vineyard as the "parable of the vinegar," overshadowing Baskett's magnificent achievement.A scarce and stately copy of a high spot in 18th-century printing. DARLOW & MOULE, 736-B ("the engravings differ considerably from those in A").…