Beschreibung:

BIBLE, in Latin – Biblia Sacra . Antwerp: Christopher Plantin, 1583. ‘One of the most impressive and beautiful editions of the Plantin press’ (Voet) in a contemporary binding of red morocco. A reprint of the Bible of Louvain (1547) issued by Plantin for the first time in 1565 and then again in 1574. The illustrations were formerly used in the Polyglot Bible (1569-1572), and many of the smaller engravings were also used in Arias Montanus’s Humanae Salutis Monumenta (1583) but 36 were cut specially for this edition. The double-page engraved double-hemispheric world map was originally issued in the eighth volume of the Polyglot Bible, which appeared in 1572. Handsomely engraved, it shows a large unnamed island rising from the Pacific, which has led to speculation that this map has a very early depiction of Australia. The present copy also contains the dedication to Cardinal Albert of Austria which is often missing because Antwerp was at that time under a Calvinist administration. Adams B-1089; Brunet I, 877; Darlow & Moule 6173 (note); Shirley World 125; Sorgeloos, pp. 139-141; Voet 690 and p. 367. Folio (430 x 284mm). Engraved title by Abraham de Bruyn after Crispin van den Broeck 4pp. dedication to Cardinal Albert of Austria, 5 engraved mounted double-page plates including a double hemisphere world map by Arias Montanus, second issue with the verso blank and the word 'gentes' added below 'IEKTAN' in the bottom left-hand panel, and maps of Israel and Canaan, 89 engravings of which 7 full-page, woodcut initials and head-and tailpieces, text in double column, with the blanks NN8 and K6 (variable spotting and browning, small portion of engraved title in facsimile, 4 leaves restored in blank corners). Contemporary red morocco, sides panelled in gilt and blind enclosing gilt oval centerpiece, gilt fleurons to corners, spine stamped and lettered in gilt (restored at corners and head and tail of spine, lower cover scraped, lightly restored). Provenance : evidence of removed bookplate and stamp from edge of engraved title – unidentified shelfmark – later bibliographic note on pastedown.