[BIBILIA HEBRAICA]. Reges - Liber Paralopomine. No place, no - Lot 35

[BIBILIA HEBRAICA]. Reges - Liber Paralopomine. No place, no date (Paris, Robert Estienne, 1544–46). A two-part set in a single in-16 volume (115 x 70 mm), in a contemporary fawn calfskin binding, with a very attractive plate featuring arabesques and foliage motifs enhanced with white, red, and green wax on the covers, spine similarly decorated, gilt edges. A compilation of the Reges and the Liber Paralipomenon, comprising parts 8 and 9 (of 17) of the second edition of the Old Testament printed in Hebrew by Robert Estienne. “Robert Estienne’s first project upon being appointed Royal Printer in Hebrew was the production of a Hebrew Old Testament in quarto (1539–1544), with a large text type cut by Jehan Arnoul; while the quarto edition (which was produced for use in the lecture hall) was still being published, Estienne began printing this more portable 16mo “pocket” edition in a smaller Hebrew typeface, for convenience. This “pocket” Hebrew Bible has always been regarded as one of the most impressive examples of Hebrew printing from the French Renaissance, and inspired in Renouard the most unreserved admiration: “This small edition, said to be very accurate, is truly a typographical gem, and perhaps the most beautiful work ever printed in the Hebrew language.” “The edition is very rare and is seldom found complete and in good condition” (Schreiber. The Estiennes). Robert Estienne’s olive tree mark appears at the beginning of each part. A delightful copy, trimmed, originally bound in a charming binding with wax-painted decoration that is remarkably well-preserved. The pretty spine design, intact, is in perfect harmony with the elegant plate used for the covers. A little gem, exquisitely fresh. Traces of old fastenings on the covers. Handwritten ex-libris from the period, “Claudius ab Angelo,” on the title page of the *Reges*. Acquired by Émile Rossignol in 1952. Brunet, I, 856; Renouard (A.-A.). *Annales de l’imprimerie des Estienne*, p. 65, no. 1; Schreiber (F.). The Estiennes, New York, 1982, 82; Mortimer (R.). Harvard College Library. French 16th Century Books, I, 73.

Estimate:£4,189.09

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