Geneva Bible 1611

6B Illustrated Geneva Translation. Folio Size with Genealogies. London: Robert Barker, 1611

Notes

The Geneva Bible, first published in 1560, was an English translation produced by Protestant scholars who had fled to Geneva during the reign of Mary I, and it became one of the most influential English Bibles of the Reformation era. Notable for its clear, vigorous English and its extensive marginal notes reflecting Reformed theology, it was the first English Bible to use verse numbers throughout, making it especially accessible for study and preaching. The Geneva Bible was widely read in England, Scotland, and early colonial America and was favored by figures such as Shakespeare, John Knox, and the Puritans, even after the later publication of the King James Version. Many editions were distinguished by woodcut illustrations, including dramatic title-page scenes, biblical maps, genealogical charts, and narrative images that helped readers visualize scripture and reinforced Protestant teaching. Over time, these woodcuts became an important part of the Bible’s appeal, blending art, education, and theology, and they remain highly valued by historians and collectors as examples of how text and image worked together to shape early modern religious culture

Description

Red and black Morocco with red calf spine. Red spine with six blind, blind raised bands and the words “Holy Bible“ lettered in gilt. “For the communion table parish of Sutton 1842“ lettered in gilt to upper board. Apocrypha included. Illustrated first chapter initials and decorated head and tail pieces throughout. Plain endpapers. Providence mentioned on New Testament and psalter title pages “Charles Chappoe Maxbridge Midda 1842.“ Genealogies title page soiled with edge repairs; genealogies lack the first leave with a few closed tears to subsequent leaves, some soiling, primarily to first leaves of Genesis and handful of pages throughout. Lower corner, marginal loss and small upper marginal stain to New Testament text salter lacks all after Psalm 142. Maps included. Fine condition.