30 - Biblia Sacra, Ioannes Marcorelius. Lugduni (Lyon), 1568

Biblia Sacra, Ioannes Marcorelius. Lugduni (Lyon), 1568 In 4to, [12], 1170 p., [82]. A very early Holy Bible in Latin, printed in Lyon during the mid-16th century. It features a rare and impressive period binding in excellent condition, made of a 11th-century Latin manuscript parchment reused as the binding cover for this 16th-century Bible. This is one of the earliest Bibles ever printed to feature sacred geography maps; the production of Holy Bibles decorated with maps began in France during the mid-16th century. It is richly illustrated with one hundred and eleven (111) woodcuts depicting scenes of Sacred History-showcasing exceptional Renaissance art by prominent artists-as well as 4 folding woodcut maps of sacred geography. The Bible is complete as issued. An untitled 20x13 cm map of the Holy Places. An 18x15 cm map: Partitio Terra Canaan. A 22x17 cm map: Terra Sancta Descriptio a quator Evangelia. A 22x17 cm map: Descriptio Regionum Apostolorum and it also includes one large double-page folding woodcut titled Schema hoc…ad libri Ezechielis collacandum, likely depicting Jerusalem, and 4 folding tables. Minor wear, most of which is negligible for a 500-year-old book. There are a few light, occasional marginal water stains on some leaves, mostly at the beginning. The large double-page woodcut is split into two halves along its main central fold and has a small tear on a side fold, though without any loss to the image. One map has an approx. 8 cm tear within the illustration, but without any loss. The woodcut royal printer's mark at the bottom of the title page has been cut out, a practice commonly seen during the French Revolution. Overall, the entire book is in very good condition, preserved in an exceptional binding. A richly illustrated early Bible with some of the earliest maps of Sacred Geography ever printed.