A LEAF FROM THE GUTENBERG BIBLE: From I MACCABEES X:46 through XI:12. With a Bibliographical Essay by A. Edward Newton

[Gutenberg, Printer. Bible in Latin]; [Newton, A. Edward; Gabriel Wells]

Published by Mainz Johann Gutenberg and Johann Fust ca.1450

A single, highly important leaf from the famed 42-line Bible, the first book printed from moveable type. Presented in E. Edward Newton s A Noble Fragment, Being a Leaf of the Gutenberg Bible: 1450-1455 (NY, Gabriel Wells, 1921) The original Gutenberg Bible leaf is printed in gothic letter, chapter titles in blue and red, initials and numbers rubricated in red and blue. Laid into the Noble Fragment presentation is a reproduction of Henry Raschen's portrait in oil of Gutenberg printed by Henry Nash in 1924. Folio (390 x 280mm), tipped into the Noble Fragment Portfolio of full blue morocco as issued, with Alfred Edward Newton's fine essay included, the portfolio lettered in gilt on the upper cover and spine. A single and noble leaf of the first book printed with moveable type, additionally with the four page essay and photographic reproduction. This leaf is a fine and handsome example, beautifully preserved. The Noble Fragment binding very pleasing and in fine condition. A WONDERFUL LEAF FROM THE FIRST BOOK EVER PRINTED WITH MOVEABLE TYPE AND THE MOST FAMOUS OF ALL PRINTED BOOKS. A LEAF IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, REMARKABLY CLEAN, WELL-MARGINED AND HANDSOMELY RUBRICATED. The Gutenberg Bible may be described without the slightest exaggeration not only as the earliest but also the greatest printed book in the world. It is the first book from the printing press, having been preceded only by a few trial pieces, single leaves, almanacs and grammatical booklets of which merely stray fragments remain. It is, as well, one of the most beautiful books ever printed. The quiet dignity of those twelve-hundred or so pages of bold, stately type, the deep black ink, the broadness of the margins, the glossy crispness of the paper, may have been equaled, but they have never been surpassed; and in its very cradle, the printer s art, thanks to the Gutenberg Bible, shines forth indeed as an art as much and more than as a craft. Last but not least, the Gutenberg Bible is the first printed edition of the Book of Books. The mere fact that in the Rhine valley in 1455 the first book to be printed should have been the Bible tells its own story. "While Gutenberg and Fust were actually at work, the fall of Constantinople in 1453 announced the end of an old world and the dawn of modern thought. Did Gutenberg realize that by setting the Holy Text in type he was heralding one of the greatest movements of human thought in the history of the civilized world?" (S. De Ricci) The leaf included here is from I Maccabees. Maccabees 1 encompasses the events in Judea from 175-135 B.C.E., which included the time of the Hasmonean (Maccabean) revolt against the Seleucid Empires. Leading up to the revolt, Antiochus murdered circumcised infants and their mothers, desecrated the Temple, and tried to force the Jews to sacrifice to pagan gods. The leaf begins in Chapter 10 when Jonathan and the people of Judea decide in favor of Alexander, who has gathered a large army to oppose Demetrius. The two kings join in battle, but when Demetrius' army flies Alexander overpowers him and Demetrius falls that day. Alexander then sends ambassadors to Ptolemy, king of Egypt, with this message: "Now that I have returned to my realm, taken my seat on the throne of my ancestors, and established my rule by crushing Demetrius and gaining control of my country for I engaged him in battle, he and his army were crushed by us, and we assumed his royal throne let us now establish friendship with each other. Give me now your daughter for my wife; and as your son-in-law, I will give to you and to her gifts worthy of you." Ptolemy accepts, and gives his daughter in marriage. King Alexander also wrote to Jonathan to come and meet him, so he went with pomp to Ptolemais, where he met the two kings and gives them and their friends silver and gold and many gifts and thus wins their favor. Jonathan then goes on to defeat Apollonius. When King Alexander hears of these events, he accords new honors to Jonathan. Cha. Seller Inventory # 33564

Bibliographic Details

Title: A LEAF FROM THE GUTENBERG BIBLE: From I ...
Publisher: Mainz Johann Gutenberg and Johann Fust ca.1450
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition