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2 volumes. 4to, 261 x 200 mms., pp. [v] vi - xvi, 316, 167 [168 blank]; [165 - 167] 168 - 672 [673 - 692 Index, 693 - 696 table and errata], engraved frontispiece in volume 1, contemporary calf, gilt border on covers, red morocco labels; some wear to extremities, joints slightly strained, but a very good set. The Biblical scholar James Macknight (1721 - 1800) began his research for this book when he was a student, and the first edition was published in 1756. An able scholar, he was apparently not much of a preacher. Edward Bannerman Ramsay, in his Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Character records this anecdote: "On one occasion when coming to church, Dr. Macknight had been caught in a shower of rain, and entered the vestry soaked with wet. Every means were used to relieve him of his discomfort; but as the time drew on for divine service he became much distressed, and ejaculated over and over, 'Oh I wush that I was dry; do you think I'm dry; do you think I'm dry eneuch noo?' His jocose colleague [Dr. Henry] could resist no longer, but, patting him on the shoulder, comforted him with the sly assurance, 'Bide a wee, Doctor, and ye'se be dry eneugh when ye get into the pu'pit.'" What larks. Seller Inventory # 9096
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