Short Description
A substantial 1498 Froben Latin Bible from Basel, offered here as a single volume, believed to be Volume IV, containing the Prophets with commentary attributed to Nicolaus de Lyra. This impressive late incunable has been professionally rebound by Leonard’s Book Restoration and appears complete.
Full Description
Offered here is an authentic 1498 Froben Latin Bible, a remarkable survivor from the incunable era, when printing was still in its earliest generations. This listing is for one volume only, believed to be Volume IV, and from my examination it appears to be complete.
The volume contains material from the Prophets, including Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Minor Prophets, accompanied by the well-known biblical commentary of Nicolaus de Lyra. It is especially appealing for its rich visual content, including woodcut diagrams and architectural schematic illustrations connected with Ezekiel’s visionary temple.
Printed in Basel by Johann Froben in 1498, this is a fine example of late 15th-century biblical printing: dense gothic typography, red and black opening elements, large woodcut initials, and scholarly page design characteristic of serious theological books of the period.
The volume measures approximately:
- 12 x 9 x 3 1/2 inches
- 305 x 229 x 89 mm
Because the prior binding was not original and was in poor condition, the book was professionally rebound by Leonard’s Book Restoration. The present binding is strong, handsome, and appropriate for preservation, allowing the textblock to be safely handled and displayed.
Condition
This volume remains in very good antique condition for a book of this age, with the following noted:
- Professionally rebound in modern leather
- Textblock appears solid
- Pages display expected age toning and normal signs of use
- Old annotations / marginal notes present in places
- Former ownership or institutional marks present
- Illustrations and diagrams are well preserved
- Please examine images carefully, as they form part of the description
Notes for Collectors
This is a compelling acquisition for collectors of:
- Incunabula
- Early printed Bibles
- Froben imprints
- Nicolaus de Lyra
- Biblical commentary
- Medieval and early Renaissance theology
As with many books of this period, completeness is stated cautiously: the book is believed to be Volume IV and appears complete, but buyers are encouraged to make their own assessment from the photographs and any additional images requested.
Check out my YouTube channel "The Divine Library" to learn about this Bible and others like it. Link: www.youtube.com/@TheDivineLibraryHistory
