1634 King James Quarto Bible – Speed Genealogies & Canaan Map
1634 King James Quarto Bible – John Speed’s Genealogies, Canaan Map & Family Provenance
Robert Barker & John Bill | London | 1634
ITEM OVERVIEW
An important seventeenth-century King James Version Bible in quarto format, printed in London by Robert Barker and John Bill. This historic volume brings together the biblical text, John Speed’s illustrated genealogical work, a detailed woodcut map of Canaan, and handwritten family records documenting successive generations during the eighteenth century.
Combining significant features of early King James Bible printing with evidence of continued family use, this volume offers a compelling connection between biblical history, early English printing, and personal provenance.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
The “She” Reading at Ruth 3:15
This copy contains the reading “and she went into the citie” at Ruth 3:15, as verified directly in the text. This reading is associated with the textual history of early King James Bible printing and is an important point of bibliographical interest.
John Speed’s Genealogies Recorded in the Sacred Scriptures
The volume includes John Speed’s celebrated genealogical work, bearing the initials J.S. and the privilege statement Cum Privilegio. Its intricate woodcut family trees trace biblical genealogies from Adam and Eve through the generations of Scripture, including the genealogy associated with the Virgin Mary.
Map of Canaan
The Bible retains the detailed woodcut map titled A Description of Canaan, depicting the biblical Holy Land and adding an important cartographic element to the volume.
Illustrated Old Testament Title Page
The 1634 Old Testament title page features an elaborate woodcut border populated with biblical figures and representations of the Twelve Tribes and Apostles. The central inscription identifies the work as The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament and the New, newly translated from the original languages and compared with earlier translations.
Separately Dated New Testament Title Page
The volume contains a New Testament title page dated 1636, alongside the 1634 Old Testament title page.
Apocrypha and Closing Imprint
The volume is described as retaining the Apocrypha and the concluding Robert Barker imprint at the end of Revelation. These features contribute to the Bible’s historical interest and are included here as part of the recorded description of the copy.
EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY FAMILY PROVENANCE
Original blank leaves preserve handwritten family records associated with the Skin and Wallis families, documenting names and events long after the Bible’s publication.
Recorded entries include:
John and Martha Skin — 1722
Children’s birth records — 1724–1726
Robert Wallis — 1758
Recorded death — March 16, 1789
These inscriptions offer a glimpse into the Bible’s use as a family record book. They preserve personal details from the eighteenth century and provide a tangible connection between the printed volume and the people who kept it.
BINDING AND CONDITION
Binding: Beautifully and professionally rebound in deep-brown calf leather. The spine features robust raised bands and elegant gilt-stamped lettering. The binding is structurally sound, tight, and built to safely preserve the text block for generations.
Internal Text Block: Remarkably crisp and clean black-letter typography. Margins are generous and stable throughout.
Foxing & Toning: The paper exhibits a mild, uniform natural yellow toning consistent with its 390-year age. Foxing is nearly non-existent, limited to just one or two minor spots across a small handful of leaves.
Staining: Exceptionally clean for a secularly used family Bible, showing only one or two instances of very light, minor staining.
Paper Repairs: Features two small, highly precise, professionally executed paper repairs on the preliminary To the Christian Reader page. These discrete conservation touch-ups securely stabilize the leaf without obstructing the text or surrounding woodcuts.
Overall Preservation
The volume is in good condition for its age, with a secure binding, legible printed text, and surviving historical inscriptions. Please consult the photographs for a closer assessment of the title pages, genealogies, map, family records, and repaired areas.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This 1634 King James quarto Bible brings together several features of interest to collectors of early English Bibles: its Barker and Bill imprint, John Speed’s illustrated genealogies, the Canaan map, the “She” reading at Ruth 3:15, and handwritten family records dating from the eighteenth century.
The family inscriptions are particularly evocative, preserving evidence of the Bible’s life beyond the printing house. Together, the printed text, illustrations, and handwritten records reflect both the history of the English Bible and its place within family life.
INQUIRY TO PURCHASE
Please select Inquire and complete the inquiry form. Include the Collection Reference below so we can promptly identify the volume.
Collection Reference: AS-1063
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.