1611 Geneva Bible — Holy Land Map & Preface
1611 Geneva Bible Small Folio Leaf — Holy Land Map & Preface
Own an authentic piece of early 17th-century biblical and cartographic history with this genuine leaf from the 1611 Geneva Bible, printed in London by Robert Barker, printer to King James I.
This remarkable double-sided leaf presents two distinctive features of the early English Bible. One side contains the woodcut “The description of the Holy Land,” depicting the historic geography of the biblical lands of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, accompanied by a detailed geographical index. The reverse preserves the prefatory address “THE PRINTER TO THE DILIGENT READER,” featuring a bold typographic heading and an ornate woodcut initial “D.”
Together, the two sides provide an unusual glimpse into both the biblical geography and the printing traditions surrounding an early 17th-century edition of the Geneva Bible.
Physical Specifications
Source: Genuine 1611 Geneva Bible — Small Folio Edition
Printer: Robert Barker, London
Dimensions: Approximately 8" × 11¾"
Visual Highlights: Woodcut Holy Land map with geographical index; ornate woodcut initial on the reverse
Printer’s Signature: “Ffff 2” appearing at the foot of the prefatory text
Documentation: Includes a hand-signed and dated Certificate of Authenticity
Condition & Preservation Report
Edge & Margin Profile:
The outer right margin displays a subtle, non-parallel taper, narrowing slightly toward the upper corner. This irregularity is consistent with the hand-trimmed characteristics found in early printed books.
Corner & Margin Wear:
The corners are softly rounded from age and historical handling. The upper- and lower-right corners exhibit faint, minor handling creases, with no deep tears or significant structural paper loss.
Paper Patina:
The substantial linen-rag paper exhibits attractive amber-gold toning, particularly along the outer margins, with a warmer yellow patina extending through the central portion of the leaf. A tiny, faint historic blemish is visible near the lower-right portion of the map frame.
Text & Map Integrity:
The fine lines of the woodcut map, geographical index, typography, and decorative elements remain exceptionally crisp, dark, and fully legible.
Display & Presentation
At approximately 8" × 11¾", this small folio leaf is especially well suited to archival or floating-glass presentation. Because both sides contain significant historical features, a double-sided display allows the map and the printer’s prefatory address to be viewed without permanently obscuring either side.
Displayed in a library, study, office, private collection, or place of worship, the leaf provides an opportunity to experience an original page from the early 17th-century English Bible tradition while preserving its historic paper and printing for future generations.
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Collection Reference: AS-1041
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.