This 1611 edition of the collected works of the theologian John Jewel is dedicated to King James I.
Tobias Matthew (also Tobie Mathew and Toby Mathew) (1546-1628), a previous owner of this book, was Archbishop of York between 1606 and his death. His son, Tobie Matthew was an MP and later a convert to Catholicism. The younger Tobie was also close friends with Francis Bacon, whose mother, Anne (1527/8 – 27 August 1610) the second daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke (tutor to Edward VI), translated John Jewel's Apologie of the Anglican Church in 1564, which is noted in annotations inside the front board. Her translation from the Latin into English of Bishop Jewel's work of was a significant step in the intellectual justification of Protestantism in England. The work was a clarification of the differences between Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism, and was critical to the support of Elizabeth I's religious policies.

Binding information

Bound by John Bateman in brown calf, with the arms of James I to centre, with border frame with quarter arabesques to inside corners, and a crowned thistle to outer corners. Spine divided into seven compartments, with black lettering to the second. Evidence of ribbon ties, with sprinkled edges.

John Bateman was the Royal Binder, binding for James I and Princes Henry and Charles. He used many of the same tools as, and was the successor to, the MacDurnan Gospels binder. This volume, for instance, features corner tools from the MacDurnan Gospels bindery.