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[The Holy Bible Conteyning the Old Testament and the New: Newly translated out of the Originall tongues, and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Maiesties Speciall Comandement. Appointed to be read in Churches.]
Description
The Genealogies by John Speed defective, lacking first eleven leaves, but with the sought-after double-page map. Lacks the general title page. Text complete in two column Roman font within ruled border and 56 lines to the column. The text follows the 1611 folio Bible, including numerous errors though a few mistakes have been corrected. The reading “and she went into the citie” in Ruth 3:15. Apocrypha included as issued. New Testament title page (1612) engraved within woodcut border comprising twenty-four compartments showing the tents of the twelve tribes as well as the figures of the twelve apostles. Title is enclosed within a heart-shaped frame. Ends on colophon (1612). Bound with The Booke of Psalmes by Sternhold and Hopkins, lacking title page and all after Psalm 115. First chapter decorative initials and head- and tailpieces.
Collation
A-Z^8, Aa-Zz^8, Aaa-Zzz^8, [A]-[M]^8. Bible text complete. Lacks general title page.
Binding
Rebound in brown paneled morocco. Spine with six recessed bands and the words “Holy Bible” lettered in gilt. Renewed marbled endpapers.
Condition
Infrequent staining, more prevalent to the New Testament with larger stain from 1 Corinthians to Revelation; Map with lower fifth of right half torn away with closed tears and repairs to verso; many leaves of Genealogies repaired to fore-edge margin; trimmed touching outer printed border on occasion; B5, Xxx5 lower corner loss costing a few letters; Ii2, Yyy1, Zzz7 lower corner loss costing a few verses; Uuuu8 (Matthew 1) frayed with repaired closed tears but no loss; Psalter stained throughout. A good copy overall of the first quarto She Bible of the King James Version.
Provenance
“Richard Tribe his book” to verso of New Testament title page; “Mary Hunter her book May the 4, 1746” to verso of final leaf of Revelation.
Note
The first quarto edition of the King James Bible, printed with both the “He” and “She” variant with the She Bible (this edition) being more scarce. A close reprint of the first edition He folio and it represents the earliest state of the text. Prices for the first folio edition of the KJV are now such as to be beyond the means of all but the most avid and wealthy collector. While not cheap, this quarto represents an opportunity for the collector of more modest means to obtain the first state of the KJV text.
Scarcity
USTC shows only 12 copies in holding with four in North America.
References
Herbert 314; STC 2220; USTC 3005300.