Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion in English, 1578

John Calvin [1509-1564]  ‘The institution of Christian religion, vvritten in Latine by M. Iohn Caluine, and translated into English according to the authors last edition, by Thomas Norton. Hereunto are newly added sundry tables to finde the principall matters entreated of in this booke, containin by order of common places the summe of the whole doctrine taught in the same, and also the declaration of places of Scripture therein expounded.’

Imprinted at London: by Thomas Vautrollier for William Norton. 1578.

Thick octavo [6.50’’ tall x 4.50’’ wide x 2.50’’ thick].  Collates complete [16], 634, [110] leaves.

A very good, clean and solid copy. Minor light marks, blemishes or reading wear commensurate with age else a very nice copy indeed. Intermittent early manuscript marginalia. Final handful of table leaves with small lower stain.  Bound in early polished tan calf. Finely re-backed with raised bands and blind lines. Hand-tooled, gilt-lettered label to the spine.  Bookplate to the inner front board of one Edward J Morris along with a matching signature to the FEP.

A solid and attractive restored period binding sometime rebacked.  A rare opportunity to acquire an early copy of Calvin’s Institutes. Complete C16th. copies are always rare on the market.

ESTC ref. 006178973. STC 4418.