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[The Holy Bible: Containing the Old Testament and the New: Newly translated out of the originall Tongues: and with the former translations diligently compared and revised: By his Majesties special commandment. With most profitable Annotations upon all the hard places, and other things of great importance: Which notes have never before been set forth with the new Translation: But are now placed in due order with great care and industrie.]
Summary
A quarto King James Bible with the beloved Geneva notes added into the quarto format for the very first time. In general appearance this edition closely imitates the favorite quarto Geneva Bible. The text is bound with a metrical Psalter in period-style morocco.
Description
Begins with the Translators to the Reader. Text in two column Roman font and ruled in red throughout. The 3000 words of the beloved Geneva notes are included in the margins, Junius’ commentary is included in Revelation. Issued without Apocrypha. New Testament title page (1649) with composite woodcut border comprising twenty-four small 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. Bound with the Whole Booke of Psalmes with decorative title page (1653). Decorative first chapter woodcut initials and decorated head- and tail-pieces.
Collation
A-Z^8 (-A1-2, title page), Aa-Qq^8, Rr^4, Ss^2 (-Ss2, blank leaf) [Old Testament]; Aaa-Ppp^8. [New Testament]. Lacks general title page,first leaf of prelims, and blank leaf before the New Testament.
Binding
Rebound in period-style straight-grained brown morocco. Covers paneled in blind. Spine with four blind-lined raised bands, blind tooling to compartments, and the words “Holy Bible” lettered in blind. Endpapers renewed.
Condition
Occasional spotting and staining; first leaf of prelims strengthened to fore-edge with loss; lower half of final leaf of Tables removed without text loss; lower margin of title to Psalter removed without loss; Psalter lacks all after Psalm 149, with the final leaf repaired at fore-edge.
Note
Although nearly forty years had passed since the first printing of the King James Bible, its rise to prominence was far from immediate. The English people remained deeply attached to the Geneva Bible and its beloved marginal notes, often referring to the KJV dismissively as “the Bible without notes.” In response to this preference, publishers began incorporating the “profitable annotations” of the Geneva into various editions of the King James Bible well into the eighteenth century. The result was a remarkable fusion, the stately prose of the Authorized Version joined with the practical and devotional value of Geneva's commentary.
Scarcity
ESTC notes seventeen copies in holding with only four in North America. Only two copies recorded at auction since 1950 per RBH.
References
Herbert 620; ESTC R172760.