In-folio (28,3 x 20,5 cm), [6], 456 ff, printed in gothic type, in 2 columns of 49 ll. Index bound at frond. Rubricated throughout, with some larger initials occasionally extending into the margin. First text initial in red and blue, with large penwork extending into the margin. (blank bottom margin dampstained with some traces of mouldy spots in first ff. and second half, occasional offsetting of rubrication, wormholes in blank bottom margin I1-5 and inner margin O-P, final f. underlaid). Old gold-tooled red morocco, covers with elaborate gilt ornamental border and lozenge-shaped central ornament, rebacked, gilt spine with 6 raised band and green morocco label, all edges gilt, marbled endleaves (rubbed at corners, head and tail). Good copy
Early Cologne edition of one of the medieval bestsellers: the most popular compilation of saints' lives. It was known as the Golden Legend because it was considered to be worth its weight in gold. Provenance: heraldic bookplate Luton Library Ref. ISTC ij00108000 ; BMC I 197; GW M11202
