Martin LUTHER. 16th & early 17th Century original publications in English. All below as a lot & bound in 2 similar: but gilded differently, full vellum bindings circa 1840s. Both bindings were created by “Sevan” for a rich client. Both have finely incised gold work on all 3 edges plus gold work around the bindings. Both have a gold lion figure on the front cover &: “Nobilis IRA”. Gilded leather spine labels. Both close to 5½”x7½” & thick. Both were sold at Sotheby’s in 1847. The original catalog entries are included. Both have one finely; and, very different from each other, full-color illuminated manuscript leaf made for the book, with the signature “H.M.S.S.” in the fronts. Both near fine condition, tight, complete. Both in old Black Letter print.
1) “A Commentarie or Exposition Upon Two Epistles generall of Saint Peter and that of Saint Jude. First faithfully gathered out of the Lectures and Preachings of that Worthie Instruments in Goddes Church, Doctour Martin Luther; and, now out of Latin. For the singular benefite and comfort of the godlie, familiarlie translated into Englishe by Thomas Newton” London: Abraham Veals: 1581. 344 pp on 172 numbered sheets. In same volum: “A Commentarie of M. Doctor Martin Luther upon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galathians, First collected and gathered word by word, out of this preaching; and, now out of Latin Faithfully translated into English for the unlearned…” London: 1603: Richard Field.
2) “Luther, Fore Runners or a Cloud of Witnesses, gathered together in the Historie of the Walenses for who diverse 100 years before Luther sucessfully opposed Popery… and sealed it with their blood. Being most grievously persecuted; and, many thousands of them martyred, by the tyrannie of the Man of sinne and his superstitious adherents and cruel instruments…” Collected by I.P.P.1., Translated out of French by Samson Lennard. London: Nathaniel Newbery: 1624, 458 pp in 4 separately paged parts, AND WITH: “Look Beyond Luther: Or an Answere to That Question. so often and so insultingly proposed by our Adversaries. asking us Where This out Religion was before Luthers time? Whereto are added sound props to Beare up honest-hearted Protestants. that they fall not from their saving-faith” by Richard Bernard of Batcome in Sommersetshire (all works by this author are exceedingly rare). London: Felix Kyngston. Sold by Edmund Weaver at his shop at the great North-doors of Paul’s: 1623, 56 pp.