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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 scarce 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.
Description
The engraved New Testament title page (1649) bound before Genesis with 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. 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. Bound with the Whole Booke of Psalmes with decorative title page (1649).. Decorative first chapter initials and decorated head- and tail-pieces.
Collation
A-Z^8 (-A1, title page), Aa-Qq^8, Rr^4, Ss^2 (Old Testament); Aaa-Ppp^8 (-Ppp8, Rev 22:5-21) (New Testament). Lacks general title page and final leaf of Revelation.
Binding
Early 19th century brown sheep. Covers paneled in blind and slightly rubbed. Rebacked in brown calf with five recessed gilt-lined bands and one black morocco label with the words “The New Testament” in gilt, date in gilt to foot of spine.
Condition
New Testament title page with two closed tears repaired to verso; light scattered staining and expected marks, but overall a crisp and clean Bible with signs of very careful use.
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 the 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.