The Oldest Book I Own

Dear Reader,

There comes a time when books need to leave your home to make way for other books.  Kristi and I have been making a concerted effort to make room for new books in our home, with some success.  Perhaps 200 books have been set aside for future sale or donation.  Most are books that have been read but do not warrant rereading. A few were gifts we received that missed the mark. Some we are perplexed at, and neither of us can recognize.

While sorting we uncovered some books that we had not seen in some time. 
I found our oldest printed book.  We have a copy of David, Perseguido Y Alivio de Lastimados, Parte Tercero (David Persecuted and Saved from his Wounds), printed in Mexico in 1729 and bound in vellum.  It appears to be a Bible study guide, with Biblical parables and stories, particularly from the Psalms,  discussed and expanded upon for the edification of 18th century Christians.  In it's current condition, it does not have great value, but it is our oldest book, picked up by my father at a library book sale in Mexico in the 1970s.   I have tried to read several paragraphs, but the Spanish characters of that time are so different that it is slow reading.

What is your oldest printed book?  Have you read it?  Does it have any particular  meaning to you?  How did you come to own it?

Good reading. 

Bill


What is your oldest 

I've been researching the history of the Laurelhurst neighborhood in Portland for my upcoming book.  Here's a piece of the original deed restriction when the addition was platted in 1909:

"... nor shall the same or any part thereof be in any manner used or occupied by Chinese, Japanese, or negroes, except that persons of said races may be employed as servants by residents; nor shall any old buildings be placed on said premises; nor shall any building or any part thereof, on said premises, be erected, maintained, or used for flats, apartments, stables, stores, or business or manufacturing Purposes; nor shall any intoxicating liquor be manufactured, or sold or otherwise disposed of as a beverage in any place of public resort, on said premises."

This is not quaint or ancient.  It was just yesterday.  If you are over fifty, this is the world in which your grandparents grew up.