First edition of the Latin Bible with the Glossa ordinaria, the standard Bible commentary of the later eleventh and early twelfth century, composed by Anselm of Laon, Ralph of Laon and Gilbert of Auxerre. The layout preserves the traditional manuscript format, distinguishing the Biblical text from the Glossa ordinaria surrounding it, and from the interlinear gloss, which usually consists of definitions or paraphrases of specific words. This edition is dated from inscriptions in the Cambridge University Library and Sion College copies which imply that those copies were purchased in 1480. HC 3173*; GW 4282; BMC I 92; Bod-inc B-314; BSB-Ink B-442; ISTC ib00607000; Goff B-607.
870 leaves (of 1211, with 2 of 3 blanks, wanting ff.581-920). 5 large decorative initials by a near-contemporary Swiss artist in red, blue, purple and gold with penwork extensions between printed columns, chapters introduced by initials in red and blue, rubricated throughout (small wormholes in last 2 quires of vol. 2, faint staining and marginal wormholes towards end of vol. 3, blank corners of last two leaves of vol. 3 repaired). Contemporary calf over wooden boards, central panels with blindstamped floral motif within roll-tooled borders, central bevels (lacking clasps, upper joint of vol. 1 starting, spine labels renewed, vols. 2 and 3 rebacked, all restored).