Ostrog Bible. 1580 (Ivan Fedorov)

Ostrog Bible was one of the earliest East Slavic translations of the Bible[citation needed] and the first complete printed edition of the Bible in Church Slavonic, published in Ostroh, in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth (modern territory of Ukraine), by the printer Ivan Fyodorov in 1581 with the assistance of the Ruthenian Prince Konstantin Ostrogski.
The Ostrog Bibles were printed on two dates: 12 July 1580, and 12 August 1581. The second version differs from the 1580 original in composition, ornamentation, and correction of misprints.
The Ostrog Bible is a monumental publication of 1,256 pages, lavishly decorated with headpieces and initials, which were prepared especially for it. F

Please advise. How much can this Bible be worth in good condition? Complete copy, no defects

 

Welcome @a.makarius . We don't generally do values, but I will tag a member for you who may be able to help find a similar copy so you can work it out: @Ex Libris .

 

[QUOTE = "Любые украшения, сообщение: 3945040, участник: 2844"] Добро пожаловать, [USER = 19803] @ a.makarius [/ USER]. Обычно мы не делаем ценности, но я помечу для вас участника, который может помочь найти аналогичную копию, чтобы вы могли решить эту проблему: [USER = 14916] @Ex Libris [/ USER]. [/ QU

thanks

 

Besides the two printing dates you mentioned, there were later reprints, including even modern reprints available on EBay. Which printing are you interested in finding out about, and if you have a particular one in mind, are you sure of its actual printing date?

 

this book is the first edition of 1580. There is an expert opinion on this bible.

 

If there is "an expert opinion" then why are you asking us?

You should post pictures of the important and identifying pages.

 

I want to know the real cost

 

@2manybooks ? Any thoughts?

 

a lot, prices are different

 

There is 17 century Serbian monastery called Ostrog in Montenegro.

 

Take it to any Christian Orthodox Church they will be able to help you, or even buy it from you. Or any church.

 

@2manycats ...........

 

the town of ostrog is located on the territory of modern Ukraine. This is the bible of Ivan Fyodorov's manafactory. printed in 1580

 

I am not a book expert, but for any orthodox christian I think this is a priceless book. You will be very rich when you sell it. Good luck.

 

Christie's Auction sold one of the 1581 editions in 2006 for 22,800 GBP. The estimate was for 10,000 - 15,000.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4815478

You should contact an appraiser specializing in rare books and manuscripts for a formal evaluation. They will want to see the book.

 

Yes...a Rare Book Dealer should be seen, at least.!
There are condition issues which will bring the price down...........

 

Cnristies sold another 1581 edition in 2020 for 25,000 GBP.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6296941

As with any rare and unusual object, there is no certain "real cost" for such a book. Value is whatever a willing seller and willing buyer agree to. An auction, where there is more than one willing buyer competing, will be one of the best indications of potential value. A certified appraiser will know how to search prior auction records to see what similar items have sold for in the past.

The book you have shown would not be described as having "no defects", and condition is a very important factor in assessing value.

 

it's Ostroh what he means, which is Ostrog in Russian, too.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostroh

 

I assume you know that many of the copies of this rare book were stolen from public archives and libraries in Ukraine and even one was stolen in Kazakhstan. I would suggest ti check it with Ukrainian security for coincidences in their database, unless you are 100% sure of its provenance. In extreme cases, the real cost might be a criminal charge.