Koberger, Anton

Biblia Latina Cum Postillis Nicolai De Lyra Et Additionibus Pauli Burgensis. [Latin Bible]

      Anton Koberger, 1497. Very Good Hardcover. Folio-over 12"-15" tall. Being the third part of Koberger's massive Latin Bible, consisting of the complete latter prophets (Isaiah to Malachi), with the addition of the First & Second Book of Maccabees, accompanied by the glosses of Nicolaus de Lyra. Folio, 318 leaves (including the last blank), printed in gothic type with 12 woodcut illustrations. The volume has been carefully collated and is complete. It is bound in original blind-stamped calf over wooden boards and is professionally rebacked. One brassclasp with catch, with the remains of another; margins of first 12 leaves and last 10 leaves frayed, not affecting text; some leaves with dampstains. This is the 3rd part of the monumental Latin Bible issued in four parts by the celebrated Nuremberg printer. The four parts are rarely found together, and this third part contains the complete text of the latter Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi), with the addition of the First and Second Book of Maccabees. The Biblical text is printed in double columns in a handsome gothic type, surrounded by the massive commentary of Nocolas de Lyra, printed in a smaller gothic type. The French theologian Nicolas de Lyra (ca. 1270-1349) was the best equipped Biblical scholar of the Middle Ages since he knew Hebrew and was familiar with the commentaries of many of the Jewish expositors. He was among the first to break away from the then current allegoristic interpretations of the Bible, his objective being to arrive at the exact and literal sense of the Scriptural text. It has been said of Nicolas that no one down to his day since the time of St. Jerome had contributed as much to the understanding of the Old Testament, and his commentary quickly established itself as the favorate source of Biblical exegesis. References: BMCII, 443; GW 4294; Goff-B619.5 Photos available upon request.