1625 King James Bible, Bonham Norton and John Bill, London

An early 17th Century King James Bible, published in 1625. The first King James Bible was issued in 1611, and followed by versions (KJV) such as this. This bible is largely complete, with some omissions and flaws (noted below), and was sourced in Scotland. There is a handwritten letter from 1914 accompanying the Bible detailing some of the family history in connection with the Bible (in a sometimes challenging script). The family name appears to be 'Austice'.

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament and the New: Newly Translated out of the Originall Tongues, And with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Maiesties Speciall commandement.

Imprinted at London by Bonham Norton and John Bill, Printers to the Kings most excellent Maiestie, 1625.

Overall a good minus copy, comprising;

Common Prayer: Begins with Morning Prayer and is missing a title page or preliminaries. This first page in the book is worn, frayed and detached. This section include The Letany, The Collects, The Communion, Private and Public Baptism, The Catechism, Confirmation, Matrimony, Visitation of the Sick, Burial, Churching of Women, A Commination, Psalmes of David, and Godley Prayers. 2 leaves with corner losses affecting text; 

The Genealogies Recorded in the Scared Scriptures, according to every family and tribe. With the Line of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, Observed from Adam to the Blessed Virgin Mary. By John Speed. Missing around one third of this title page at corner. With 34 Illustrated Genealogies. One sheet has then been removed, which we believe may have been a map of Canaan (?); 

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament and the New: Newly Translated out of the Originall Tongues, And with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Maiesties Speciall commandement. With original title page, and followed by Dedication to King James, and Notes to the Reader; 

Old Testament, preceded by Contents pages for Old Testament, Apocrypha, and New Testament; 

Apocrypha; 

New Testament; Title page removed. With Printers details again listed at end of Revelations; 

The Whole Book of Psalmes, with original title page. 95 Psalmes listed. Followed by final free blank endpapers which are torn and adhere to inside rear cover.

Overall, in good minus condition. Full leather covers, with blind tooled panel design, scuffed, bumped and worn. Gilt titles and tooled decoration to spine. Endpapers split at inner hinges to cords, but all still holding firm.

Text is largely two column, black letter. The book contains age toning, staining, some paper flaws, as well as the comments mentioned above. Text is still fully legible, even in stained areas.

A far from perfect copy, but realistically priced for an uncommon early King James bible variant. Nice to have the original title page which presents well, with the familiar heart shaped frame, and the woodcut design depicts the 12 tribes, as well as the figures of the 12 apostles. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John also depicted in 4 oval roundels surrounding the title frame.

Text in English.

Weight approximately 1500g (unpacked).

Approx Dimensions: 

Approximately 214mm high x 170mm wide x 70mm deep.