1617-1622 Ainsworth Annotations on Pentateuch and Psalms

Annotations Upon the Five Bookes of Moses and the Booke of Psalmes. Wherein the Hebrew Words and Sentences are compared with, and explained by the ancient Greeke and Chaldee versions, and other Records and Monuments of the Hebrewes: But chiefly by confersence with the Holy Scriptures, Moses his words, lawes and ordinances, the Sacrifices and other Legall ceremonies heretofore commanded by God to the Church of Israel are explained.

Description

2 vols. Text in two column Roman font printed within ruled border. Printed title page (1622) to both volumes including the Pentateuch and the book of Psalms. Separate title pages to Leviticus (1618), Numbers (1619), Deuteronomy (1619), and Psalms (1617).

Collation

***^4, [triple cross]^2, A-Z^4, Aa-Kk^4 [Genesis], A-D^4 (-A1), E^2, Ff-Gg^4 [Exodus], A-Z^4, Aa-Mm^4 [Leviticus]; A-Z^4, Aa-Qq^4 [Numbers]; A-Z^4, Aa-Nn^4, Oo^2 [Deuteronomy]; A-Z^4, Aa-Oo^4 [Psalms]. Lacks title page to Exodus.

Binding

Contemporary brown calf. Covers paneled in blind. Spines with four and five raised bands with spine labels. Second volume retains original ties. Octavo Geneva Bible leaf used as binder’s waste. All edges red.  

Condition

Title to first volume frayed; A2 (Exodus) lower edge loss reducing two letters of text; A3, N3 marginal loss; lower marginal stain and two pin-sized wormholes to second half of text in first volume; final leaf of Psalms frayed; corners and joints rubbed; one of four ties perhaps replaced.

Note

Henry Ainsworth (1569–1622), a leading separatist scholar and the Hebrew expert of his time, was a key figure in the early Puritan movement. A teacher of the Ancient Separatist Church in Amsterdam, Ainsworth defended congregational independence, scripture-based worship, and strict church discipline. He engaged in theological controversies, debating with the Church of England, Anabaptists, and other religious groups. Despite internal disputes and divisions, he remained committed to biblical scholarship. His Annotations on the Pentateuch and Psalms showcase his deep knowledge of Hebrew and the Old Testament, and became his most influential work, establishing a scholarly tradition for English nonconformity.

References

Herbert 385.