ERASMUS, Desiderius (?1466-1536). The First [Second] Tome or Volume of the Paraphrases of Erasmus upon the Newe Testament. [London: Edwarde Whitchurche], 1551-52. 2 volumes bound in one, 4° (283 x 200mm). Title within woodcut border with an early woodcut portrait of Erasmus laid down on verso, black letter, woodcut initials, woodcut illustration on verso of final leaf (second vol. lacks title and several of the epistles, some mainly marginal staining and browning). Contemporary calf (rather worn, joints split but cords holding, scuffed and scratched, spine label detaching). Provenance: Thomas Willoughby, 1668 (signature on title) -- E. L. Lushington (signature on front free endpaper) -- Paul Howard Beves (ex-libris sticker). Herbert 72; STC 2866 & 2854. The year of publication on the title suggests this is a second edition yet it does not collate as such with Herbert. "No doubt, owing to the demand for copies at an early date, several presses were employed at the same time, and the work of printing was pushed on as rapidly as possible. Some copies are mixed" (Herbert). For this reason this copy is sold not subject to return.