1540 Great Bible Folio Leaf — Deuteronomy 30–32 & Joshua

1540 Great Bible Leaf with COA — Deuteronomy / Joshua

Own a genuine piece of 16th-century English biblical history. This original folio leaf comes from the 1540 printing of the Great Bible, the landmark English Bible commissioned under King Henry VIII and authorized for public reading in parish churches throughout England.

Printed in bold Gothic blackletter, this substantial leaf measures approximately 10¼" × 15¼" and bridges the Old Testament books of Deuteronomy and Joshua. Its large format, period typography, decorative woodcut initials, and surviving early-modern paper make it an exceptional piece for the collector of historic Bibles and early English printing.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Great Bible occupies an important place in the history of the English Bible and the English Reformation. The 1540 printing belongs to an early generation of English Bibles produced for widespread ecclesiastical use during the reign of Henry VIII.

This leaf preserves the physical characteristics of that remarkable printing tradition, including Gothic blackletter typography, contemporary marginal references, Early Modern English spelling, and ornamental woodcut initials.

FEATURED SCRIPTURE & VISUAL DETAILS

Side A:

Features the conclusion of Deuteronomy Chapter 30, including the powerful passage beginning:

“I call heaven and earth to record…”

The leaf then opens Deuteronomy Chapter 31, introduced by a beautifully detailed decorative woodcut initial “M.”

Side B:

Presents the Song of Moses from Deuteronomy Chapter 32, introduced with an ornate woodcut initial “G,” before transitioning into the opening of the Book of Joshua.

Typography:

Classic Early Modern English spelling variations, the distinctive long s (ʃ), Gothic blackletter type, and extensive contemporary marginal references characteristic of early English Bible printing.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Bible: Great Bible

Year: 1540

Format: Large Folio

Approximate Dimensions: 10¼" × 15¼"

Text: Deuteronomy 30–32; opening of Joshua

Typeface: Gothic Blackletter

Decorative Features: Woodcut initials “M” and “G”

Marginalia: Contemporary printed marginal references

Documentation: Physical Certificate of Authenticity included

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

Certificate of Authenticity:

This leaf is accompanied by a physical Certificate of Authenticity documenting its identification and printing date as a 1540 Great Bible leaf.

Overall Condition:

Very Good for an approximately 485-year-old historical leaf. The original rag paper remains sturdy and flexible, with excellent ink contrast and a strong, crisp impression. Minor historic edge-toning is present, consistent with the age and nature of genuine early printed leaves.

Specific Condition Note:

There is an approximately 1-inch clean tear at the upper corner, near the “Preceptes” heading. The paper fibers remain aligned, and the tear does not extend into the primary biblical text or decorative woodcut initials.

The tear has been left entirely unrestored, with no commercial adhesives or modern repair materials applied. Because it is confined to the blank margin, it can be concealed beneath standard matting if the leaf is framed for display.

PRESERVATION & DISPLAY

This leaf is supplied as a historical artifact intended for careful preservation and responsible display. Its large folio dimensions make it particularly striking when presented in an archival-quality frame with appropriate UV-protective glazing and acid-free materials.

Whether preserved as part of a private antiquarian Bible collection or displayed as a piece of early English printing history, this leaf offers a tangible connection to one of the most consequential periods in the history of the English Bible.

INQUIRIES

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Collection Reference: AS-1020

Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.

Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.