VINCENT, Thomas (1634-1678) – John PUGH (fl. 1719, translator). E[glurh]aad [o] Gatechism Byrraf y Gymanfa. [Trefhedyn]: Isaac Carter, 1719.

VINCENT, Thomas (1634-1678) – John PUGH (fl. 1719, translator). E[glurh]aad [o] Gatechism Byrraf y Gymanfa. [Trefhedyn]: Isaac Carter, 1719.

The first substantial book to be printed on a permanent printing press in Wales. Clandestine religious printing had occurred very occasionally in Wales since the 16th century, but Isaac Carter established the first permanent press on Welsh soil in Trefhedyn (now Adpar) in 1718. His first known publications were two ballads - Cân o Senn i'w hen Feistr Tobacco and Cân ar Fesur Triban ynghylch Cydwybod a'i Chynheddfau (both 1718) - of eight pages each. The present lot, a catechism in the Welsh language, extends to almost four hundred and fifty pages. At least two other works were subsequently printed by Carter in Trefhedyn before he transferred the press to Carmarthen in 1725. Rare: RBH/ABPC record no copies at auction – copies are recorded at the British Library and the National Library of Wales (2 copies each), Bangor University and Newport Central Library. ESTC T131729.

Octavo (153 x 94mm). (Paper flaws affecting a few letters on [*]2 and Z1, foremargin of 2E4 torn away just into text, light browning, occasional faint waterstains). Contemporary sheep (rubbed, small split at foot of upper joint, one corner heavily bumped). Provenance: Richard Hughes (inscription on title) – Samuel Williams (inscription on title, another inscription on endpaper recording purchase from Hughes, witnessed by John Richards and John Jones, dated July 1733) –ornithological drawings, pen trials and numerous other inscriptions in English and Welsh on endleaves.

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