1611 KJV Bible — First Edition — 1617 — Third Printing — Psalms 95–101
1617 King James Bible Great Pulpit Folio Leaf — Psalms 95–101
Acquire an impressive piece of early seventeenth-century English printing history with this genuine original Great Pulpit Folio leaf from the King James Bible, identified by its accompanying Certificate of Authenticity as:
1611 KJV Bible — First Edition — 1617 — Third Printing
Printed in London by Robert Barker, Printer to King James I, this monumental leaf represents the imposing large-format tradition of the early King James Bible. Measuring approximately 10" × 15¾", its substantial scale, Gothic Black Letter typography, and richly decorated initials give it a commanding presence suitable for archival preservation or traditional framing.
Featured Scripture — Psalms 95–101
This remarkable leaf contains a continuous sequence of seven Psalms: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101.
Among them is the beloved Psalm 100, beginning:
“Make a joyfull noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”
The surrounding Psalms encompass themes of praise, worship, God's sovereignty, faithfulness, righteousness, and devotion, making this an especially compelling selection of Scripture for collectors.
Seven Decorative Woodcut Initials
One of the leaf's most striking visual characteristics is its succession of seven decorative woodcut initial letters, introducing each individual Psalm.
Set against the tall, imposing Gothic Black Letter typography, these ornamental initials create a beautiful rhythm across the page and emphasize the beginning of each Psalm.
Early King James Bible Printing
The early King James Bible was produced in several monumental folio formats during the years immediately following the publication of the Authorized Version.
This leaf belongs to that formative period of King James Bible printing and preserves the distinctive physical characteristics of an early Great Pulpit Folio: substantial rag paper, large dimensions, two-column Black Letter typography, and decorative woodcut initials.
The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity specifically identifies this material as “1611 KJV Bible — First Edition — 1617 — Third Printing.” That wording is retained here as the documentary identification supplied with the leaf.
Format & Dimensions
Bible: King James Version
COA Identification: 1611 KJV Bible — First Edition — 1617 — Third Printing
Date Identified on COA: 1617
Format: Great Pulpit Folio
Dimensions: Approximately 10" × 15¾"
Scripture: Psalms 95–101
Typography: Gothic Black Letter
Printer: Robert Barker, London
Certificate: Official Certificate of Authenticity included
At approximately 10" × 15¾", this is a substantially larger presentation leaf than the quarto and smaller folio examples elsewhere in the collection.
Condition
This approximately 409-year-old Jacobean leaf remains structurally stable and handles firmly while displaying the authentic signs of centuries of survival.
Text & Artwork: The text is 100% complete and fully legible, with all seven decorative woodcut initials present, crisp, dark, and clearly defined.
Outer Edge & Corners: The outer margin has an uneven, rustic, and slightly wavy appearance consistent with historic hand-trimming and handling. A minor area of historic paper loss is present at the bottom outer corner tip.
Moisture Staining: The leaf has significant historic moisture or damp staining, extending upward from the lower margin approximately halfway through the page. This creates noticeable darker coloration across portions of the lower text blocks and is an important part of the leaf's condition.
Inner Binding Edge: The inner edge displays typical light roughness associated with historic extraction from a bound volume, accompanied by several tiny, faint dark marks confined to the blank inner margin. These may be consistent with historic ink or soot-related marking, though their precise origin cannot be established.
Patina: The paper carries a rich, deeply toned amber historic patina throughout, reflecting more than four centuries of age and use.
Despite the staining and minor peripheral imperfections, the leaf retains its complete text, decorative initials, structural integrity, and strong legibility.
Preservation & Display
With its imposing Great Pulpit Folio dimensions, seven consecutive Psalms, and seven decorative woodcut initials, this is a particularly dramatic leaf for archival presentation or traditional framing.
Its inclusion of Psalm 100 also gives the leaf an immediately recognizable and historically engaging passage of Scripture.
Inquiries
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Collection Reference: AS-1030
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