1608 Quarto Geneva Bible in Contemporary Boards

[The Bible: Translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke, and conferred with the best translation in divers Languages. With most profitable Annotations…]

Summary

A textually complete 1608 quarto Geneva Bible with the Apocrypha. Bound in contemporary calf with metalwork over beveled boards.

Description

Begins with The Book of Common Prayer, lacking title page and prelims. General title and New Testament title in facsimile (1608) on aged paper with woodcut border comprising twenty-four small 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 black letter. With Apocrypha as issued. The Two Tables after Revelation, ending on the colophon (1608). Concludes with the Whole Booke of Psalmes (1609), lacking the final leaf of Prayer as common. First chapter woodcuts initials, head- and tailpieces throughout.

Collation

[par]^4 (-[par]1,2), A-Z^8, Aa-Zz^8, Aaa-Hhh^8, Iii^2, *^4, Kkk-Yyy^8, Zzz^10. Lacks two preliminary leaves of Bible text with both titles supplied in facsimile.

Binding

Contemporary blind paneled calf, professionally rebacked. Beveled oak boards with corner pieces, centerpieces, hasps, and backstrips. Spine with four blind-ruled bands and blind rolls to compartments. The words “Holy Bible - Geneva” and “1608” lettered in gilt. Claps perished. Endpapers renewed.

Condition

A1,2 of BCP frayed with A1 strengthened to edges; Heavy browning to edges encroaching upon margins but otherwise internally clean with few spots and stains here and there; no noticeable tears or loss to text; A, Aa, Bb frayed to edges; final two signatures of Psalter frayed with last leaf lightly stained and reinforced to gutter. An attractive text in a stunning well-preserved binding.

References

Herbert 293; STC 2202.