Thomas Aquinas

Chancery folio (289 x 203mm.), 194 leaves, a⁴ b¹⁰ c-y⁸ z [et]¹⁰, double column, 55 lines plus headline, gothic type, later 3- to 12-line illuminated initials, some initial spaces with pencilled letters, some blank, a few early annotations, old wooden boards with nineteenth-century vellum spine, two old clasps, stain in margin of b5, a few small wormholes towards end, last few leaves stained at foot, a few small wormholes in boards

Rev. George Richard Mackarness (1823-1883), Ilam vicarage (he was incumbent here from 1854 to 1874), near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, bookplate; price £1-1-0 noted in pencil on flyleaf; William O'Brien, bequest bookplate dated 1899

Goff T193; HC 1389; BMC v 181; BSB-Ink T-271; GW M46568; Grosjean & O'Connell 108

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."

This is the fourth edition of Aquinas's Summa contra gentiles, and the first to be edited by Petrus Cantianus, a theologian at the University of Padua, who sings the praises of Nicolaus Jenson in his dedicatory letter at the end of the volume. This is one of the last books to be printed by Jenson, who died in the autumn of 1480.