SELDEN, JOHN. Opera Omnia. Edited, with a life of Selden, by David Wilkins....

SELDEN, JOHN. Opera Omnia. Edited, with a life of Selden, by David Wilkins. Engraved frontispiece portrait of Selden by George Vertue after Sir Peter Lely; woodcut and engraved text illustrations. Extensive use of Arabic, Greek, and Hebrew types, some use of Anglo-Saxon and black letter. 3 volumes. Folio, 391x250 mm, contemporary mottled sheep gilt, worn overall, spine ends chipped, lettering pieces off, joints cracked, cords intact; occasional soiling in upper margins, contents otherwise generally quite clean. London: William Bowyer for J. Walthoe et al., 1726

Estimate $500 - 750

only collected edition, limited to 750 sets. Selden's writings spanned a wide range of legal, historical, and Judaic subjects. "The meticulous results of his plunge into the complex realm of Jewish studies showed great respect for the integrity of rabbinic interpretations and an unparalleled understanding of Jewish texts, traditions, and history, all conveyed in subtle, empathetic studies that used the wisdom of the Jews to teach a Christian audience" (ODNB). Updike II, 136-37 ("Bowyer's greatest achievement . . . a wonderful 'style-book' for displayed matter set in old style types"). with the bookplate of edward gibbon, offered as part of a small group of books from his collection in the 1833 auction of the library of Edmund Burke by Evans of Pall Mall. Keynes, The Library of Edward Gibbon, page 247.

Price Realized (with Buyer's Premium) $1,875