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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 title in facsimile on laid paper (1649) 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 Geneva notes are included in the margins, Junius’ commentary is included in Revelation. Issued without Apocrypha. Similar New Testament woodcut title page (1649). Concludes with the Two Tables, ending on the colophon (1649). Decorative first chapter initials and decorated head- and tail-pieces.
Collation
A-Z^8 (-A1), Aa-Qq^8, Rr^4, Ss^2 (Old Testament); Aaa-Qqq^8 (New Testament). Complete with general title in facsimile.
Binding
Rebound in brown goatskin in a period style. Covers with corner fleurons and gilt rolled border around a gilt centerpiece. Spine with five raised blind-lined bands and a red gilt-rolled morocco label with the words “Holy Bible” lettered in gilt. Plain endpapers renewed.
Condition
First and final few leaves frayed to edges; A7 small lower piece torn off with loss of sidenotes; Aa2 closed tear to outer column without loss; Aaa8 soiling to gutter; good margins with crisp red rules; overall a 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 one copy recorded at auction since 1950.
References
Herbert 620; ESTC R172760.