1638 Folio Cambridge Extra-Illustrated King James Bible

The Holy Bible containing the Old Testament and the New: Newly Translated out of the originall Tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.

Description

The whole work diligently ruled in red. Bound with the Book of Common Prayer with title page (1638) within border and featuring the Cambridge alma mater. The general title page engraved with Marshall featuring Moses and the Ten Commandments on the left and David playing the harp on the right. At the bottom, the four evangelists and their gospel symbols. Text in two column Roman font, double ruled in red throughout. Apocrypha included as issued. New Testament title page (1638) printed in elaborate red-ruled design. 30 full-page plates by Fathorne and Galle added into the New Testament which include the four evangelists and their gospel symbols as well as scenes from the life of Christ and some saints. Bound with the Whole Book of Psalms. First chapter copper-engraved initials. Decorative head- and tailpieces.     

Collation

[unsigned]^2, A-Z^6, Aa-Zz^6, Aaa-Ggg^6, Hhh^4, Iii^4, Kkk-Xxx^6, Yyy^4, A-R^6. Complete with all titles.

Binding

Contemporary black polished calf. Boards with triple double paneled gilt design around a central lozenge with corner fleurons. Spine with six raised bands and elaborate tooling to compartments. Inner dentelles. Marbled endpapers. All edges gilt.  

Condition

Ex-libris bookplate of Graham Pollard on front pastedown; gift inscription on first blank leaf reading “This Bible printed in the year 1638 presented by Sir Frederick Pollark to his beloved daughter Grace Anne as a mark of respect for approbation of, the enthusiasm and perseverance with which she has studied the Times and the Character of King Charles the first – 9 March, 1844. T.P.” Damp stain to lower margin of BCP only; C1, H5, Q1 with marginal repairs; D5 with a closed tear.

Note

The text of the King James Bible was expertly revised by Buck and Rogers at Cambridge University as they sought to establish themselves as a printing house. Norton reports a story that Buck and Daniel “in their pride in the 1638 edition put a notice on Great St Mary’s door offering a free Bible to anyone who could find an error.” The 1638 Cambridge text remained the standard text until 1762. In due course Bible printing became a prime source of income for both Oxford and Cambridge.

References

Herbert 520; Norton 94.