1611 Geneva Bible – Complete Bound Apocrypha Conclusion, Robert Barker
1611 Geneva Bible Quarto – Complete Bound Apocrypha Conclusion, Robert Barker, London
Accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity
ITEM OVERVIEW
An exceptionally interesting surviving section of early seventeenth-century English Bible printing, this original bound text section is identified as coming from the 1611 Geneva Bible, printed in London by Robert Barker, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
Unlike an individual detached leaf, this offering preserves a complete, consecutive bound section containing the concluding portion of the Apocrypha, ending with the historic printed words, “The end of Apocrypha.” Its retained structure and substantial sequence of original biblical text make it a distinctive historical artifact for collectors of early English Bibles, antiquarian books, and religious printing history.
The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity documents the item's identification.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Bible: Geneva Bible
- Date: 1611
- Printer: Robert Barker, London
- Format: Quarto
- Material: Original handmade rag paper
- Approximate Dimensions: 8¼ × 12 inches
- Typography: Roman body text with italic headings, chapter summaries, marginal references, and decorative woodcut initials
- Format of Offering: Complete bound text section
- Certificate of Authenticity: Included
CONTENTS AND TEXTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
This concluding section preserves important Apocryphal writings, including:
The Historie of Bel and the Dragon — Complete
The narrative recounts Daniel's exposure of the deception surrounding the worship of Bel and his subsequent encounter with the dragon, continuing the traditions associated with Daniel.
I and II Maccabees
These historical books recount events surrounding the Jewish struggle for religious freedom, the resistance to foreign rule, and the restoration and rededication of the Temple.
The Concluding Words of the Apocrypha
The section reaches its textual conclusion with the printed statement, “The end of Apocrypha.” This final wording provides a clear and historically meaningful endpoint to the surviving sequence.
Together, these texts preserve an extended portion of the Apocrypha in its original bound-section format, offering collectors an opportunity to study the typography, textual arrangement, and physical characteristics of early seventeenth-century Bible printing.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Geneva Bible held an important place in the history of English Protestantism. Valued for its accessible language, study aids, chapter summaries, and extensive marginal notes, it became a widely used English Bible among generations of readers, including English Puritans and early American settlers.
Although the King James Version appeared in 1611, the Geneva Bible continued to circulate alongside it. Its distinctive study features and established readership ensured its continuing importance during this period.
Robert Barker was a prominent royal printer associated with major English Bible editions. A Geneva Bible section bearing this attribution offers a tangible connection to the printing and distribution of Scripture in early Stuart England.
The survival of this concluding section as a bound unit, rather than as isolated leaves, is a particularly noteworthy feature. Its retained sequence and concluding text preserve a substantial historical portion of the original work.
CONDITION:
This more than 400-year-old historical text section exhibits age-related characteristics consistent with an early printed book.
Paper and Printing: The original handmade rag paper remains reasonably robust, with the printed text retaining good legibility and contrast. Natural age-toning is present along the margins.
Margins and Surface: Scattered foxing and minor dog-ear folds are visible, particularly around the corners. These observations reflect the item's age and handling history. The text remains readable in the areas examined.
Bound Structure: The leaves remain joined as a bound section, retaining their sequential arrangement and historical structure. The section's binding and physical condition should be assessed from the accompanying photographs.
The condition observations above are based on physical examination. Photographs depict the actual historical material and are provided to help prospective collectors evaluate the text, paper, margins, and bound structure independently.
Please review the photographs carefully before making an acquisition decision.
PRESERVING A PIECE OF BIBLICAL HISTORY
At Ages of Scripture, we believe these historical materials deserve to be preserved not simply as surviving pages, but as witnesses to the transmission of Scripture through generations.
Our role is to document these artifacts responsibly and connect them with future caretakers who appreciate their historical, textual, and spiritual significance.
This bound section offers an opportunity to preserve an extended portion of an early English Bible tradition, including the closing words that mark the end of its Apocrypha.
INQUIRY TO PURCHASE
Please select Inquire to Purchase and complete the inquiry form. Include the Collection Reference associated with this listing so we can promptly identify the item of interest.
Collection Reference: AS-1065
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.