1592 Complete Geneva Bible with Adam and Eve Engraving

The Bible, That is, the Holy Scriptures contained in the Olde and Newe Testament… With Most Profitable Annotations…

Summary

An illustrated and complete sixteenth century folio Geneva Bible. Rebacked with contemporary boards, illustrations and maps, and the full-page engraving of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Description

Begins with the general title page (1592) with an engraved border. Full-page wood engraving of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden facing Genesis 1. Text in two column black letter. Complete set of Geneva illustrations and maps throughout. Title page with woodcut border to the second part (Psalms through Malachi). With Apocrypha as issued. New Testament title page (1591) with engraved border. Ends with dated colophon (1592). First chapter woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces throughout.

Collation

A^4, A-Z^6, Aa-Zz^6, Aaa-Zzz^6, Aaaa-Zzzz^6, Aaaaa-Mmmmm^6, Nnnnn^4. Complete with all three title pages.

Binding

Rebacked in slightly lighter brown calf, retaining contemporary boards. Covers with triple blind paneled border with rolls and corner fleurons around a central lozenge. Spine with five blind-lined raised bands, blind stamps to compartments, and a black morocco label with the words “The Bible” lettered in gold. Later endpapers. All edges red.

Condition

Rubbed, corners bumped, inner hinges strengthened. General title page laid down; A2-3 (prelims) lower margin strengthened; A4 (prelims) strengthened to upper and fore-edge margins without loss; A1 (Gen 1) old lower corner repair with loss of five lines to outer column; C4-D2 lower margin repair without loss; Hh3 old repair to fore-edge with loss of a few letters; title to second part closer tear into border and lower corner with old repair just reducing border; New Testament title page laid down; intermittent browning and toning with staining to margins; good margins throughout with a complete text and all titles.  

Provenance

Front pastedown reads “Spencer Netherwittor Hall” and ink inscription to final leaf of Malachi reads “Catherine Todd departed this life September 17, 1794 in the 67 year of her age.”

References

Herbert 210.