1582 Geneva Bible Leaf — John 7–8, Woman Taken in Adultery
1582 Geneva Bible Folio Leaf — John 7–8, Woman Taken in Adultery
Step into the world of Elizabethan England with this genuine, original leaf from the 1582 Geneva Bible, one of the most influential English Bibles of the Reformation era.
The Geneva Bible became renowned for its extensive marginal notes, distinctive translation, and profound influence on generations of English-speaking readers. It was widely used among English Protestants and was carried to North America by early English settlers, including members of the Mayflower voyage.
Printed in London by Christopher Barker, Printer to Queen Elizabeth I, this substantial folio leaf measures approximately 7½" × 10¾" and displays the striking Gothic Black Letter typography characteristic of early English Bible printing.
Most notably, this leaf preserves passages from John Chapters 7 and 8, including the celebrated account traditionally known as The Woman Taken in Adultery.
FEATURED SCRIPTURE
John 7–8 — The Great Invitation & The Woman Taken in Adultery
Among the passages preserved on this remarkable leaf are:
John 7:37–38, Christ's great invitation:
“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink…”
John 8, including the complete narrative of the Woman Taken in Adultery and Christ's memorable words:
“He that is among you without sinne, let him cast the first stone at her.”
The passage has a particularly interesting textual history, making its appearance in an early English Bible all the more fascinating to collectors and students of biblical printing.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Geneva Bible holds an important place in the history of the English Bible. First published in Geneva in 1560, it became one of the most widely read English Protestant Bibles of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Its extensive marginal annotations, distinctive typography, and accessible English translation helped make it an influential work of the English Reformation. Its historical readership included Puritans and other English Protestants, and it remained influential in England and among English-speaking communities in North America.
This 1582 London printing represents the Geneva Bible tradition during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, offering a tangible connection to the religious, literary, and printing culture of the Elizabethan period.
TYPOGRAPHY & FORMAT
Original 16th-century printing
Geneva Bible — 1582
Printed in London
Printer: Christopher Barker
Large folio format
Approximately 7½" × 10¾"
Striking Gothic Black Letter type
Extensive period marginal notes and references
AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION
Certificate of Authenticity:
This historic leaf is accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity documenting its identification.
Overall Condition:
Very good antiquarian condition for a leaf approximately 444 years old, with excellent preservation of the printed text and a strong overall historical appearance.
Text Integrity:
The printed biblical text is complete, crisp, and fully legible, with no loss to the principal Scripture or marginal notes.
Margin Characteristics:
A historic jagged tear and small area of paper loss are present along the blank outer margin. And a small clean tear underneath of it, the damage follows the edge of the printed area and does not clip or obscure the biblical text or marginal notes.
Bottom Edge & Corners:
The lower margin and corners exhibit light historical wrinkling, soft rolling, and minor creasing consistent with centuries of handling and the compression associated with its former binding.
Tone & Color:
The leaf displays attractive natural age toning with mild yellowish staining throughout the paper, creating an authentic historic patina while retaining the strength and integrity of the original rag paper.
PRESERVATION & DISPLAY
This Elizabethan Geneva Bible leaf is well suited for archival preservation or professional framing. Its large folio format, Gothic typography, extensive marginal notes, and especially recognizable Gospel passage make it an excellent display piece for collectors of early English Bibles and Reformation-era printing.
Displayed with acid-free materials and appropriate UV-protective glazing, this leaf can preserve and showcase a remarkable piece of early English biblical history for generations to come.
INQUIRIES
Please select the Inquire button and complete the inquiry form. Be sure to include the Collection Reference shown with this listing so we can quickly identify the item you're interested in.
Collection Reference: AS-1024
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.