xxviii, [1]-540 pp., title-page printed in red and black with an engraved vignette, 30 copper plates including frontispiece and eight folding plates, woodcut head-and-tail pieces. (4to), 28x22 cm (11x8½"), contemporary paneled calf, backstrip with five raised bands. First English language edition, large paper issue.
Originally published in 1696. "In this work [Lamy] calls in question the historical character of the books of Tobias and Judith, and maintains that even after the Council of Trent a difference of authority should be recognized between the proto-canonical and deutero-canonical books of the Bible." - Catholic Encyclopedia.
Comprises: “Book 1. Of the Origin, History, and Antiquities of the Jews. Book II. Of the Canon, Authors, Original Texts, Versions, Editions and Interpretations of the Scriptures. [and] Book III. Of the False Gods, Animals, Precious Stones, Diseases, and Publick Sports mentioned in the Scriptures.” Together with an “Explanation of Scriptural Names, and A New Method of Reading the Scriptures.” Included in the plates are a Map of the Known World at the time of the publication of the Gospel, Noah’s Ark, the Tower of Babel, a Map of the Holy Land, a Plan of the Ancient City of Jerusalem, the Ark of the Covenant, plants, animals, et al. ESTC T130554.
Condition:
Boards moderately worn, spine label lacking, joints repaired, corners bumped; bookplate removed from front pastedown, spurious signature of “B. Franklin” in ink on title page, upper margin of frontis leaf removed (image undamaged), Plate IV (Tower of Babel) lacks folding portion; very good or better.