1611 Geneva "Breeches" Bible W/ OT, Apocrypha, NT, Book of Tables, Maps
$ 2049.95
Description
Description The Bible. That is, the Holy Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testament. London: Printed by Robert Barker , Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majestie, 1611 . Herbert 307. Complete copy comprising: Old Testament (dated 1611) Apocrypha New Testament (separate woodcut title dated 1611) First Book of Tables Second Book of Tables “A Briefe Table of the Interpretation of the Proper Names…” Ends at Revelation with “The End.” Tables conclude properly. Historical Importance The Geneva Bible was first produced in 1560 by English Protestant exiles in Geneva during the reign of Mary I. It quickly became the most widely read English Bible of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This 1611 edition is particularly significant because it was printed in the very same year as the first edition of the King James Version. Although the King James Bible would eventually replace it, the Geneva Bible remained the dominant household Bible for decades after 1611. Notable historical context: The Geneva Bible introduced verse numbers into English Scripture. It contained extensive marginal notes reflecting Reformed theology. It was the Bible of Shakespeare and the Pilgrims. Early American colonists commonly brought Geneva Bibles with them. King James I objected to certain marginal notes, contributing to the commissioning of the Authorized Version. Robert Barker, the royal printer, produced both Geneva and early King James Bibles. This edition represents the transitional moment between two of the most influential English Bible traditions. Physical Description Early 17th-century full calf binding Both OT and NT title pages are present Raised bands to spine Blind-ruled panel decoration Contemporary or near-contemporary binding Decorative woodcut New Testament title page Extensive marginal commentary throughout Double-column blackletter text Apocrypha present Front cover binding is weak Contents: This copy contains: Old Testament title page dated 1611 Complete Old Testament text Complete Apocrypha Separate New Testament title page dated 1611 Complete New Testament text First Book of Tables Second Book of Tables Concordance and interpretive tables Condition Leather binding heavily worn with cracking and dryness Edge wear and surface abrasion Minor staining and age toning Foxing and staining can be found (infrequently) Pages generally sound and legible Margins intact with no severe trimming Front cover binding is weak Spine was reinforced (Likely period) Only visible sign of damage is a tear on the very last leaf. Please review the above photos carefully. Provenance Early ownership inscription and armorial device present. Further research into heraldic ownership may yield additional historical interest. Significance Summary This is a substantial early 17th-century English Bible printed in the pivotal year 1611, the year the King James Version first appeared. It represents: The final flourishing of the Geneva tradition A transitional moment in English religious history A surviving artefact of Reformation-era printing A Bible type associated with early English Protestantism and colonial America A desirable and historically important example of early English Bible printing. Surtees Library, Taunton Castle Presented by “Lady Chapman” This copy bears mark of having belonged to the Surtees Library housed at Taunton Castle, Somerset. The Surtees Library was formed from the personal collection of William Edward Surtees , whose library was bequeathed in the late 19th century to the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society (SANHS). The collection was subsequently housed at Taunton Castle , which served as the Society’s museum and library headquarters from 1874 onward. The inscription noting presentation by “Lady Chapman” indicates that this Bible was donated or gifted prior to or during its incorporation into the Surtees Library collection. While the precise identity of “Lady Chapman” requires further archival research, titled women in the 18th and 19th centuries commonly presented devotional works to institutional or learned societies. Lady Chapman was the widow of the former governor of Bermuda. This provenance establishes a documented institutional ownership history in Somerset during the late 19th century, adding regional historical interest and traceable custodial lineage to the volume. Dimensions: Weight - 1.2KG Height - 22.5cm Width - 17cm Thickness - 5.3cm
Item arrived much better than described and is such a privilege to own, ty as this probably cost you more to send than I paid (honestly, I expected the item to be of much, much poorer quality for the prise!), well packaged and shipped fast. would encourage anyone to buy from this person! A +++
Couldn't be happier! Very fast shipping from the UK. Packaged well and all arrived in great shape. Exactly as described at a very fair price. I will put them in Pride of Place in my library. Thanks much! 5*
Beautiful! A piece of history in great condition for being 250 years old. Fast shipping with tracking was very helpful. Very pleased with kind and fast service.
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