1603 Quarto Illustrated and Rebound Geneva Bible

The Bible: That is, the Holy Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testament. Translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke, and conferred with the best translations in divers languages. With most profitable annotations…

Summary

A rebound illustrated quarto Geneva Bible. A clean, complete copy with woodcut illustrations and maps. Bound with the Book of Common Prayer and Psalter.

Description

The Book of Common Prayer lacks the first two leaves. The general title page (1603) engraved within woodcut border comprising twenty-four compartments showing the tents of the twelve tribes as well as the figures of the twelve apostles. Title is enclosed within a heart-shaped frame. Text in two column Roman font. Printed title page to the second part before Psalms with center ornament, head- and tailpiece. With Apocrypha as issued. Complete set of woodcut illustrations and maps. New Testament title page (1603) similar to general title. Ends on colophon (1603). Bound with The Whole Booke of Psalmes by Sternhold and Hopkins printed by John Windet (1604) with printer’s device, ends with Psalm 140. Woodcut first chapter initials, colophons, and decorative head and tailpieces throughout.

Collation

[par]^4, A-Z^8, &^6, Aa-Zz^8, &&^8, **^4, Aaa-Qqq^8, Rrr^4. Complete.

Binding

Modern rebind in double blind-paneled brown calf. Spine with five blind-lined raised bands and a red gilt-lined morocco label with the words “Holy Bible” lettered in gilt. Plain endpapers, renewed. All edges marbled.

Condition

Very clean throughout; first two leaves of Book of Common Prayer laid down; Psalter title contains old paper repair without loss, slightly frayed to fore-edge; Good margins throughout, a very good copy.

Provenance

Extensive contemporary family records of the Hamond family on the blank verso of the final leaf of the BCP and the subsequent blank preceding the general title page.  

References

Herbert 274.