An exceptionally scarce work, we trace not a single example of Calvin's first English edition of the Sermons on Galatians offered at auction in the last 100 years.
Issued the same year as both Calvin's Sermons on Job and his Institutes, both contemporary imprints, though also rare and desirable, have appeared with some regularity at auction over the same period of time. Job has appeared about a dozen times in the last 100 years, and the Institutes half a dozen times. But his work on Galatians, perhaps the Biblical text of the Reformation, not a single time. Our presumption is that, like the other two, it was issued but once, and was the most regularly used of the three, making it the least likely to survive.
At the time of cataloguing, another theological dealer has a copy of Job on the market, rebound, for far more than our offering price on this much rarer title. We do not expect to handle another example.
Calvin, John. Sermons of M. Iohn Caluine vpon the Epiftle of Sancte Paule to the Galathians. Imprinted at London [by Henrie Bynneman, by Lucas Harifon and George Bifhop. 1574. 660pp [in 330 numbered leaves].
Present in its deteriorated, likely original full calf binding with nearly all the spine lacking. The text itself is generally crisp and clean with some signatures forward and thus slightly curled at foredge, occasional minor spots, one leaf with corner torn off not impacting text substantially, &c. A few contemporary or early marginal notations worthy of investigation. Two early or contemporary inscriptions on title. Text begins with the title and ends with the closing prayers of Calvin; textually complete.
Priced as is. However, should the purchaser wish us to assist in pursuing restoration, rebinding, or a book-box [all of which are possible as the boards are very much salvageable] we are happy to facilitate that with our excellent binder. If binding is requested, please expect an 8-12 week delay. Binding billed separately upon completion.
