BIBLES & RELIGION 70 BIBLES & RELIGION Handsome 1576 folio edition of the important and influential Geneva Bible (or “Breeches” Bible, for its unique rendering of Genesis 3:7), the important translation that shaped Protestant piety for some five decades—only the second folio and second complete edition of the Geneva Bible published in England, published the same year as the first. With doublepage woodcut plan of the temple at Jerusalem, doublepage woodcut map of the Holy Land, and 31 in-text woodcut illustrations, rubricated in red throughout. A magnificently bound complete copy in nicely refurbished near-contemporary morocco-gilt. Upon Queen Mary’s accession in 1553, “publication of the English Bible ceased in England. Many Protestants who fled to the Continent were attracted to Calvin’s Geneva. Among these exiles were eminent English Bible scholars who began work on a new translation” (The Bible: 100 Landmarks 62). First published in 1560, the Geneva Bible—often called the “Breeches Bible” for its unique rendering of Genesis 3:7—was “achieved immediate popularity and exerted an extremely powerful influence… It has been more properly called the Elizabethan family Bible, since it was this version which was the first to enter the English home” (PMM 83). “It was read by Shakespeare, Bunyan and the soldiers of the Civil War, and is thus of cardinal importance for its influence on the English language, literature and thought” (Great Books and Book Collectors, 105-8). As Herbert notes, “There are two small folio editions of this date, which, while closely resembling one another, are yet quite distinct.” This is the second Christopher Barker folio edition published in 1576, with a different title page (and slightly different title). Extensive 17thcentury ink genealogical annotations on front flyleaf. Title page rehinged. Small paper repair to outer margin of 5O1, with a very few letters supplied in neat pen facsimile; a few other small tears, not touching letterpress. Only occasional spotting or foxing; text generally quite clean. A beautiful and very early folio Geneva Bible in nicely refurbished early morocco-gilt, in excellent condition and most desirable. Only The Second Folio Edition And Second Complete Edition Of The Geneva Bible Published In England, 1576,With Woodcut Illustrations 80BIBLE. The Bible. London, 1576. Thick folio, near-contemporary full black morocco expertly rebacked with original spine neatly laid down. $38,000
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