1612 Complete First Quarto King James Bible

The Holy Bible Conteyning the Old Testament and the New: Newly translated out of the Originall tongues, and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Maiesties Speciall Comandement. Appointed to be read in Churches.

Description

The Book of Common Prayer begins with the Collects. The Genealogies by John Speed defective but with title page (n.d.) and double-page map.  Engraved general title (1612) by Jaspar Isaac after Cornelius Boel’s design of the 1611 folio. This title page is unique to the first quarto and folio editions. Text in two column Roman font within ruled border and 56 lines to the column. The text follows the 1611 folio Bible, including numerous errors though a few mistakes have been corrected. The reading “and hee went” in Ruth 3:15. Apocrypha included as issued. New Testament title page (1612) 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. Ends on colophon (1612). Bound with The Booke of Psalmes by Sternhold and Hopkins with printed title page (1612) featuring woodcut device within double ruled border. Lacks all after Psalm 136. First chapter decorative initials and head- and tailpieces.

Collation

A^8, A-Z^8, Aa-Zz^8, Aaa-Zzz^8, [A]-[M]^8. Bible text complete with titles.

Binding

Brown blind-paneled calf, recently rebound. Spine with four raised bands and the words “The Holy Bible, Barker, London 1612” lettered in gilt. Endpapers renewed.

Condition

Map with small loss to upper gutter; Ppp1 lower corner repair reducing border; a good complete copy with good margins throughout.

Provenance

Seventeenth century family records of Harding and Hutchinson family on verso of final leaf to Apocrypha.  

Note

This edition is a close reprint of the first edition He folio and represents the earliest state of the text. Prices for the first folio edition of the KJV are now such as to be beyond the means of all but the most avid and wealthy collector. While not cheap, this quarto represents an opportunity for the collector of more modest means to obtain the first state of the KJV text.

Scarcity

USTC shows 24 copies in holding with eight in North America.

References

Herbert 313; STC 2219; ESTC S101951; USTC 3005208.