An Early Quattro Bible

Biblia latina.
Venice: Franciscus Renner de Heilbronn, 1480. (Prothro B-172)

One of the first editions of the Bible printed in quarto format (with sheets of paper folded twice), this edition of the Vulgate was intended for private ownership. It was also among several editions printed in Italy that revived two important aspects of the earlier manuscript tradition, providing up to 45 additional book prologues and the alphabetical interpretations of Hebrew names. The first leaf of Mrs. Prothro’s copy contains an illuminated initial “F” depicting the fourth-century translator, St. Jerome, with his quill and inkpot; a roundel below depicts a Benedictine monk praying to the Virgin and Child.