BIBLE.

£8,500 · Offered by Sokol Books

.The unusual presentation binding is almost certainly Scottish, though we have not traced anything similar in major bibliographies and databases. Silver furnishing is often found on devotional books with relatively simple bindings way into the C18, though the presence of engraved silver shields is very uncommon. Not many fine bindings seem to have been produced in Scotland during the C17, and no more than five have been published which are certainly earlier than 1700 (Hobson, Abbey , p.106). This binding was produced between 1657 and 1666, providing rare certainty to its dating. The presence of Lady Mary Rich s arms (see below) suggests a terminus post quem in 1657, the year of her marriage to Sir John Campbell. The gilt decoration is very reminiscent of early 1660s bindings in the Restoration style. In 1660, Sir John and Lady Mary were back in Edinburgh, as noted on the flyleaf. Lady Mary died in 1666, the terminus ante quem for the binding.. . ..The present binding was commissioned by Sir John Campbell of Glenurchy (1636-1717), 5.th. Baronet and 1st Earl of Breadalbane and Holland, member of the Scottish Parliament, and one of those responsible for the infamous Glencoe Massacre. His name is carved in elegant cursive on the verso of the silver clasps. He married his English wife, Lady Mary Rich (1636-66), in London in 1657. The shields on the covers portray the composite arms of Lady Mary. On the front are those of her father s family - Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland, and o

• Binding: Hardcover

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