BIBLE. LATIN.�(GUTENBERG BIBLE: BOOK OF HAGGAI). [Mainz: Johann Gutenberg and Johann Fust, 1455]. Royal folio (388 � 287 mm). Featuring the complete Book of Haggai and the opening column of the Book of Zechariah. Double columns, 42 lines. Handsomely rubricated in red and blue with a large chapter initial in blue, section title in red, chapter number with alternate red-blue elements, red capital strokes throughout the text and headlines of alternate red-blue lombards. It is our privilege to offer a very special object, a complete book from the Gutenberg Bible - one of the most valuable books in the world. Printed between 1450-55, the Gutenberg Bible was the first substantial European book printed with moveable type. This book derives from an incomplete copy that traces to Prince Karl Theodor von Pfalz-Sulzbach and the Court Library of Mannheim - subsequently held at the Royal Library of Munich - thence to Robert Curzon, 1810-1870, 14th Baron Zouche (from 1870) - Mary Cecil Curzon Frankland, 1877-1965, 17th Baroness Zouche (from 1917), sold via Sotheby s, 9 November 1920, lot 70 Frank Sabin Gabriel Wells, who divided the text into individual leaves with some complete Bible books, presented as Noble Fragments in 1921 - with the book at hand being donated to an institution that same year. After a century in institutional hands, this rare work has been deaccessioned and is now offered to the public. It is the only complete book from the Gutenberg Bible on the world market. Custom leather book box housing a black morocco binding gilt titled on upper cover (Stikeman), including A. Edward Newton s accompanying essay, A Noble Fragment, 1921. Seller Inventory # ABE-1609308566241

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Gutenberg Bible; First Edition, 1455: The ...

Publisher: Johann Gutenberg and Johann Fust

Publication Date: 1455

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fine

Edition: 1st Edition

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Crawford Sterling Rare Books offers the most extensive inventory of rare Bibles in the world. Specializing in the sale of early printed books and manuscripts, we have built some of the world's greatest collections and work with descendants of notable families to find their legacies new homes. Founded by Benjamin Crawford, a private collector and leading expert in the field of early printed Bibles in English, we offer professional consultation and bespoke collection management services. In building his own collection, our founder developed a global network of academics, archeologists, museum directors, antiquarian specialists and fellow collectors of various antiquities. These associations ultimately led to the establishment of a respected international firm dedicated to providing collectors with access to the most remarkable books in the world. Select material may be viewed by appointment in both the United States and United Kingdom. Our most historic and significant works are not publicly listed. Please browse our listings to explore a representative grouping of current offerings.

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