1535 Folio Coverdale Bible Leaf – First Bible Printed in English

A Leaf from the First Edition of the First Complete Bible in English, The Coverdale Bible 1535, with a Historical Introduction by Allen P. Wikgren and A Census of Copies Recorded in the British Isles and North America.

Description

San Francisco: The Book Club of California, 1974. Folio, 14" x 10". Hardcover in original jacket, with original Coverdale Bible leaf tipped in (leaf measuring 12.25" x 7.5".).

One of 425 copies of this book issued with a leaf from the first complete Bible printed in English, the 1535 Coverdale Bible.

The leaf present in this copy contains an important passage from Paul's epistle to the Philippians, "...whatsoever thinges are true, whatsoever thinges are honest, whatsoever thinges are just, whatsoever thinges are pure, whatsoever thinges pertayne to love, whatsoever thinges are of honest report: yf there be eny vertuous thinge... have those same in yo mynde" (think on these things).

The leaf also includes "I can do all thinges thorow Christ, which stregtheth me." Thus, the leaf contains the end of Philippians (recto), and the first page of Paul's epistle to the Colossians (verso); it also features a woodcut of St. Paul and one woodcut initial.

Condition

Leaf with faded staining to lower corner and margin. Book is near fine, jacket with some tears (one with tape repair to back) and light chipping to edges.

References

Herbert 18.