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The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament and the New: Newly translated out of the original Tongues: And with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, By his Majesties Speciall commandement.
Summary
The first quarto King James Bible in black letter type. A complete Bible text retaining its contemporary binding. A very early King James Bible which closely follows the text of the 1611 first folio edition including the variant “he” reading in Ruth 3:15.
Description
Begins with the Genealogies by J[ohn] S[peed] with title page (n.d.), issued without map. General title page (1613) 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. Both titles omit the words “Appointed to …” Text in two column black letter, closely following the text in the first edition. Ruth 3:15 with the reading “And he went into the citie.” Apocrypha included as issued. New Testament title page (1613) with verso blank. Concludes with colophon (1613). Bound with The Two Tables by R[obert] F. H[erry] with title page (1615). Numerous woodcut first chapter initials and head- and tailpieces throughout.
Collation
A^8, A-Z^8, Aa-Zz^8, Aaa-SSS^8. Complete.
Binding
Contemporary brown paneled calf. Covers with rolls with corner fleurons in blind. Spine with five blind0lined raised bands. Plain endpapers. All edges speckled red. Rubbed, especially to joints and raised bands, but holding very well.
Condition
Genealogies stained and lacking final leaf; C4 frayed to edges; Ss8 (Apocrypha) ink blot to five lines of inner column; headlines in Tables occasionally cropped; intermittent damp staining but a clean text with good margins.
Note
The first black letter quarto edition of the King James Bible. This early printing closely follows the text of the first edition He Bible but at a much lower price point and in a portable format suitable for daily use.
References
Herbert 323; STC 2227; ESTC S121317.