[Title in Greek, then]: NOVUM TESTAMENTUM

London: Excudebant A. Rivington & J. Marshall: Impensis J. F. & C. Rivington, T. Longman, & T. Cadell, 1786. 175 x 105 mm. (7 x 4 1/4"). 368 pp., [1] leaf (ads).
Contemporary brown "school cloth" (rough linen), raised bands. Front flyleaf with owner inscription of John Cutler, dated Sept 21, [17]89, four lines of Latin doggerel threatening anyone who steals the book with hanging, and two large copperplate trials of Cutler's signature. ESTC N63834. Not in Darlow & Moule. A little fraying at top and bottom of joints, light foxing and toning throughout (due to paper quality), a couple of small ink stains, but a surprisingly appealing copy, the text extremely clean, and the unsophisticated makeshift binding--remarkably--with no significant wear.

This is an almost startling survival: an 18th century New Testament in Greek, in its original utilitarian binding, preserved in condition far better than what could be anticipated, given the audience of generally uncareful pupils for which it was intended. Considering the usual depredations of school children, the rough school cloth should have been worn to shreds long ago, but, against the odds, it has fortuitously escaped hard use and now gives us a glimpse of an important element of the English schoolroom very close to its original condition. One particularly delightful aspect of our copy is the flamboyant declaration of ownership by a pupil called John Cutter, who inked his name no fewer than four times in different styles and with calligraphic flourishes across the flyleaf. Cutter's neatly penned book curse, threating any would-be thieves with hanging, may have helped to preserve the book as it now exists. In fact, there are few signs of use by any owner, rightful or unlawful. The leaves are free from any markings, and the insubstantial binding appears to have rarely left the shelf.. (Inventory #: ST20133)