Lot 21
Bible, English. The Holy Bible Abridged: or, The History of the Old and New Testament. Illustrated with Notes, and Adorned with Cuts. For the Use of Children, first edition, woodcut illustrations throughout, outer margin shaved, affecting text on H5, I7 and M5-M8, B4 with small paper flaw, affecting text verso, lacking F1, K1 and K8, occasional soiling, particularly to title, original Dutch floral paper boards, spine chipped, old repair to foot, 99mm x 63mm, London: J. Newbery, 1757 [Roscoe: J27(1)]
RARE. Widely regarded as the pioneer of children's literature, John Newbery (1713-1767) developed an emerging market with clever advertising and creative editing, often introducing novel elements into pre-existing titles. He advertised the present work in the Public Advertiser, December 31, 1756 (Roscoe, p.54), but although it enjoyed many subsequent editions, the 1757 edition remains scarce. We have not traced a copy of this edition in any British holding. An imperfect copy is held by the Pierrepont Morgan Library, New York. Another copy may be found in the UCLA Library, the gift of Mrs Welch.
