5B by the Deputies of Christopher Barker. London, 1599.
Notes
The Geneva Bible, also known as the Pilgrim's Bible, was first printed in 1560 in Geneva, Switzerland, by English Protestant exiles fleeing the reign of Queen Mary I. It was the first English Bible to be printed in Roman type (rather than Gothic), making it more readable and accessible. The Geneva Bible is unique for several reasons: it was the first Bible to include numbered verses, a feature that made it easier for readers to reference specific passages. It also included extensive marginal notes, which were highly influential in shaping Protestant interpretations of scripture. These notes were often critical of the Catholic Church and the monarchy, supporting the Reformation principles of individual interpretation and resistance to tyranny. The Geneva Bible became extremely popular among English Protestants, especially the Puritans, and was the Bible brought to America by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower.
The Geneva Bible's emphasis on personal understanding and its Reformation-inspired notes made it stand in contrast to the King James Version (KJV), which was published later in 1611 and lacked such marginal commentary. The Geneva Bible was particularly influential in the early English-speaking world, used by many early American colonists and significant figures, including William Shakespeare. Over time, however, the Geneva Bible was supplanted by the King James Version, which became the standard English Bible. Despite this, the Geneva Bible remains important for its role in the history of English Bible translation and its impact on early Protestant thought and scripture interpretation.
Description
Brown leather boards with embossed details. Rebacked leather spine with black leather label featuring gilt lettering. First two fly leaves covered in handwriting from many years of ownership. Browning to the interior. Pages 121-126 are of a different material and fogged white appearance. Many closed tears to interior pages. Some blue pigment dusting upper section of the upper board. Intact. Fair condition overall.
Christopher Barker purchased a patent from Queen Elizabeth for the exclusive printing of Bibles and we find from the year 1576 to 1587 only about 6 editions have any other printer’s name; from 1587 to 1599 “Deputies of Christopher Barker” appear (like this edition), and from 1599 to 1618 seldom is any other name seen but Robert Barker.
