[Apocrypha]. [London: Jhon Daye, 1549.] The Apocrypha, being a fragment from a 1549 Matthew's version of the Bible. Folio, 11.35" x 7.75". Disbound. 76 leaves, or Aaa-Mmm6, Nnn4. Woodcut border to initial leaf, woodcut initials and several other woodcuts. ************** A rather attractive printing, being the apocryphal books of the Bible from an early reprint of the Matthews Byble of 1537, also known as the "Wife-Beater's Bible." This version is considered to be the primary version our of English Bible. Following the Protestant Reformation, the popularity of these apocryphal books waned as they were not considered to be inspired scripture – inasmuch as Jesus never referred to them, and St. Jerome considered them to be extracanonical. While Martin Luther agreed, he still considered them to be "good reading," and Maccabees, in particular, is one of the best resources for Jewish history for the period leading up to the Apostolic age. Herbert 74.

Two leaves with long chips along fore-edge, shaving some letters, a few marginal chips, some marginal finger-soiling, overall Good.