Description
ECCLESIASTES 1:1-5:4. “Vanity of vanities” (1:2) and “For every thing there is a season” (3:1). Printed in Basel, Switzerland, by Johann Froben, October 27, 1495. Octavo size: 5.75″ x 4.25″. One of the very earliest printed octavo Bibles, as handy for travel as the popular “pocket bibles” of the 13th century. Reference: Goff B598; GW 4275. With 4 hand-painted initials [one Large] in RED and BLUE. EXCELLENT condition; light stain to upper edge. Note that Ch 4 and 5 are elided. COA on premium “gold leaf” paper with gold seal and signature. Includes “Origins of the Vulgate Bible” with an English translation of important verses. Text expresses what seems like an endless cycle of life and death, without meaning — apart from trust in God. Ecclesiastes, or The Preacher, who also claims to be king of Israel, sees that the daily grudge of humanity conceals the gifts of life and happiness (see 3:10-15), all under the watchful eye of God.
