Augustinus, Aurelius, Saint

Chancery folio (280 x 200mm.), 283 leaves (of 286), a-g⁸ h⁶ i⁸ k⁶ l-p⁸ q-r⁶ s⁸ A-F⁸ G⁶ Aa-Kk⁸ Ll⁶ Pp¹⁰, 53-55 lines plus headline, gothic type, 3- to 9-line initial spaces with printed guides, woodcut printer's device at end, early annotations, contemporary blind-tooled calf over wooden boards, two clasps, paper spine label, lacking Ff1-2 (supplied in facsimile) and final blank leaf, slight damp-staining towards end, rebacked retaining most of original spine, lower board split and repaired

Boies Penrose II (1902-1976), armorial bookplate; sale, Christie's, 30 November 2010, lot 63

Goff A1297; HC 1965; BMC viii 301; BSB-Ink A-894; Bod-inc A-553; GW 2915

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The roll-tooled border of flowers and birds is very similar to one used by Nicholas Spierinck in Cambridge in the early sixteenth century, though Oldham records variants that were used across Europe (plate XXXIII, nos 479-485, none of which exactly match the roll used here).