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Geneva Bible, Christopher Barker, London, Dated 1599
About the Item
The Geneva Bible is one of the most historically significant translations of the Bible into English. Its name comes from the fact that its translation was undertaken in Geneva. The 1599 edition of the Geneva Bible is known for its quality and accuracy. This edition is the rare and highly coveted edition printed by Christopher Barker, London, and Dated 1599.
Christopher Barker (c.1529–1599) was the official printer to Queen Elizabeth I and therefore held exclusive patents to print Bibles.
The Geneva Bible predates the King James Version by half-a-century and was, therefore, William Shakespeare's bible as well as the bible used in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 1 of England: "The Queen took the Bible, kissed it, held it up in both her hands and laid it on her breast."
The Geneva Bible has always held special significance for Americans, because this is the Bible that the first Pilgrims brought with to the them on the Mayflower.
This 1599 edition of the Geneva Bible (which was banned in 1611 by King James) is also known as the "Breeches Bible." The first Breeches edition appeared twenty-years earlier, in the 1579 edition. It's called a "Breeches Bible" because in Genesis Chapter III Verse 7 you will read: "Then the eies of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed figge tree leaves together, and made themselves breeches."
Later, "breeches" would be changed to "aprons".
This important historical bible was printed by Christopher Barker, London and re-bound at some point in its history in gilt-stamped calf's leather with marbled boards. The bible consists of multiple sections. The first section is known as "Speed's Genealogies." It was created in 1638 by English cartographer Sir John Speed. Obviously, this was added to the original older bible when it was re-bound. Speed's Genealogies is a biblical genealogy, and this bible features a complete example, with both the title page and the following 34 pages of his engravings intact. The Old Testament, Apocrypha, New Testament, Psalms and Hymns are all here as well as prayer pages at the very end. It's an astonishing work of art: each letter pressed deep into the thick paper. Every inch of it is gorgeous, fascinating, profound and important.
While I have not accounted for every single page, I have not encountered any missing pages or sections.
The pages are gilt on all sides and show wear. Later endpapers —most likely corresponding to the re-binding— show handwriting from 1839 in pen. Other marks appear in pencil on this and end pages on the rear. Very old ink scribble on the front and back of The New Testament title page, a light pen mark on the title page to the Apocrypha, a 20mm tear on the bottom of the main title page as well as a stain. There are other stains and discoloring elsewhere but overall, this Geneva Bible is in remarkably well-preserved condition. Often, these magnificent treasures are in tatters.
Considering its not insignificant age and the fact that it would have been referenced with great frequency throughout its life, the Bible is in remarkably good condition.
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:Early 17th Century
- Date of Manufacture:1599
- Condition:Replacements made: The leather cover, though very old, is a newer binding than the original Bible itself. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Southbury, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9090239206772
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