From the library of the Duke of Newcastle. A fine copy of this rare bible with superb provenance. Extra-illustrated with 213 engraved plates, including 29 double-page.

The plates have captions in several languages including English and Hebrew, and the artists include G. Hoet, A. Houbraken and Bernard Picart.

This scarce edition includes both the Old and New Testaments and the Apocrypha. It is notable for being the first folio size edition published by Thomas Baskett, the son of the King's Printer, John Baskett who first starting printing bibles in London in 1711. Thomas inherited his father's printing house and his title as King's Printer. His reputation grew and his bibles were the first English bibles to be printed in America in 1761.

This finely bound copy is from the library of the Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton, 2nd Duke of Newcastle under Lyne (1720-1794) who inherited the dukedom from his uncle in 1768. He held many other prestigious posts such as Gentleman of the Bedchamber to George II and George III, and several official posts including Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire (1742-1757), High Steward of Westminster (1759-1794) and Comptroller of Customs of the Port of London (1749-1794).

2 vols bound in 4; folio (41.5 x 27 cm); text in two columns, ruled in red, two printed title-pages, extra-illustrated with 213 engraved plates (29 double-page), marbled endpapers, some minor marginal staining to some plates, bookplates; bound in contemporary navy morocco gilt with the arms of the second duke of Newcastle, all edges gilt, the border beautifully decorated with an elaborate gilt design, spines also gilt in compartments, gilt edges, bindings slightly faded, extremities very slightly rubbed; otherwise a very good copy.

Herbert 1091.