H KAINH DIATHHKH. Novum Testamentum cum versione Latina Ariae Montani, in quo tum selecti versiculi 1900, quibus omnes Novi Testamenti voces continentur, asteriscis notantur; tum omnes et singulae voces, semel vel saepius occurrentes, peculiari nota distinguuntur, Auctore Johannes Leusden, Professore. Editio nova accuratissime recognica. Amstelaedami, apud J. Wetstenium & G. Smith. MDCCXLL (1741). Small 8vo, full calf leather with 5 raised bands, engraved frontis, red and black title page, 2 folding maps. Greek and Latin in parallel columns. 4 + 674 pp.

Johannes Leusden (1624-1699) was a biblical scholar, orientalist, Professor of Hebrew at Utrecht, and one of the most famous of biblical experts. Leusden determined that the vocabulary of the Greek Testament amounted to 4956 words, of which 1686 occurred only once; and that 1900 selected verses contained the whole number. The Latin is from the work of noted Catholic scholar Arias Montanus (Arias Montana Benito 1527-1598) who supervised the polyglot edition of the Bible first published by Plantin in 1572 in 8 volumes. Leusden's Latin/Greek edition is a work noted for its elegance and thorough scholarship, a true classic. ( It is an interesting aside that Leusden was a noted Calvinist, and Montana was a noted Catholic, so the tension between the Catholic and Protestant visions of Christianity are present here, yet reconciled in the scholarship and love of the text that both men shared.) This edition with its beautiful frontis engraving filled with Christian symbols, and its two folding maps, not to mention the quality of the printing throughout, is a lovely example of Leusden's work.

Condition of this 265-year-old New Testament is good. Smooth calf leather shows normal wear, decorative gilt stamping around the edge is still present and attractive. Front cover is detaching but the binding is strong. Engraved title page is crisp and clean with beautiful engraving work. Text is clean and unmarked, occasional very small foxing. Last few pages have a small stain at the bottom corner, last fly is chipped at the corners. The first folding map is browned and cracking at the fold, the larger map is intact and lovely. A very nice copy of an important Greek and Latin bible, from two of the greatest biblical scholars.

Price: CyP 360.00