[BIBLE, in English]. The Holy Bible, containing the Old Testament and the New. Oxford: John Baskett, 1717-16.

2 volumes in one, folio. Title and calendar printed in red and black, ruled in red throughout, engraved frontispiece by Du-Bose after J. Thornhill, general title with engraved view of Oxford by G. Vander Gucht, title to the New Testament with vignette, engraved head-pieces and initials. 19th-century blindstamped reversed calf (covers damaged, rebacked).

Known as the “Vinegar Bible” from the misprint “the parable of the vinegar” for “vineyard” in Luke XX. As the great Bible monopolist, John Baskett was also parodied by contemporary wits who called his huge Bible a “Baskett-full of errors”. Nevertheless, Harry Carter, the historian of Oxford printing, states that “only Baskerville's Bible (Cambridge, 1763) is its equal among English Bibles for beauty of type, impression, and paper” (The History of the Oxford University Press, 1975, I, p. 171). Two distinct variants are recorded: the present copy is Darlow & Moule's issue A, with an additional engraved general title page depicting Moses writing the first words of Genesis (here bound as frontispiece), a vignette view of Oxford on the general title page, and vignette title page for the New Testament depicting the Annunciation, dated 1716.

Two distinct variants are recorded: the present copy is Darlow & Moule's issue A, with an additional engraved general title page depicting Moses writing the first words of Genesis (here bound as frontispiece), a vignette view of Oxford on the general title page, and vignette title page for the New Testament depicting the Annunciation, dated 1716. Darlow & Moule 942 variant A; ESTC T507265; Herbert 943

Property from the Collection of LSC Communications, Inc.

[BIBLE, in English]. The Holy Bible, containing the Old Testament and the New. Oxford: John Baskett, 1717-16.

[BIBLE, in English]. The Holy Bible, containing the Old Testament and the New. Oxford: John Baskett, 1717-16.