Geneva Bible 1607

5RR Geneva Bible, London, 1607. With The Book of Common Prayer, Oxford, 1679.

Notes

The Geneva Bible, first published in 1560, was an English translation of the Bible by a group of Protestant exiles in Geneva. It was influential in shaping early Protestant thought and widely used by Puritans and early American colonists. Notable for its extensive marginal notes, which offered commentary and interpretation, the Geneva Bible was a key predecessor to the King James Version, which supplanted it in popularity by the 17th century.

The Book of Common Prayer is a Christian liturgical text used in the Anglican tradition, first compiled in 1549 during the English Reformation under Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. It provides prayers, hymns, liturgies, and services for daily worship, including the Eucharist, baptism, and marriage. The Book of Common Prayer has been revised over the centuries but remains a central part of Anglican worship, emphasizing a balance of Scripture, prayer, and tradition in public and private devotion. Its poetic language and structure have influenced Christian worship across various denominations.

The Bible features 19th century Masonic binding. The Square and Compass in the center and lower right corner, is the most iconic symbol in Freemasonry, representing the balance between the physical and spiritual realms. The square stands for morality and the need to live with integrity, while the compasses symbolize personal boundaries, self-control, and the pursuit of higher knowledge. The sun with a face in the upper left corner symbolizes divine light, enlightenment, and wisdom, shining equally on all. The half moon in the upper right corner represents change, cycles, and transformation, reflecting the feminine principle and the journey toward illumination. The Seven Stars in the lower left corner holds special significance in Masonic teachings, symbolizing completeness and perfection, often linked to the seven virtues or the seven liberal arts and sciences. The number seven is sacred, representing spiritual wholeness, and the stars can also connect to celestial bodies like the Pleiades, reinforcing the idea of divine guidance. Together, these symbols encapsulate Masonic principles of balance, personal growth, and the pursuit of divine knowledge, urging Freemasons to seek truth, virtue, and enlightenment on their spiritual journey.

Description

Dark brown leather covered boards. Gilt embossed designs on the upper and lower boards with Masonic symbols in the four corners and center on both boards as well as in each compartment of the spine. Five raised bands. All edges gilt, with marbled endpapers, and gilt turn ins. Gilt lettering in the second spine compartment. Scuffing on both boards and spine. Fading of the dark brown leather on the spine hinges, upper spine and along the raised bands. Chipping on the lower spine, the corners, and the fourth compartment. Minimal foxing within. Straight edge cut which does not obstruct the text on the bottom of page 484 and 485 all the way to the binding. Very good condition overall.