The Holy Bible, Containing The Old and New Testaments of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, Translated Out of the Original Greek, and with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised, by His Majesties Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches. Cambridge: Printed by John Hayes, MDCLXXIV (1674).
A STUNNING VERY RARE LARGE TYPE ANTIQUE KING JAMES BIBLE IN FOLIO SIZE; THE FAVOURITE EDITION OF KING CHARLES II WHO BOUGHT MANY COPIES OF THIS EDITION TO GIFT TO MEMBERS OF HIS COURT.
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VERY RARE! Hayes' large type folio Bible, one of the most excellent antique King James Bibles which follows the format of the original, being bound with a calendar printed in red and black, etc. One of the most excellent folio King James Bibles printed, and a very early one, actually preceding the first King James Bible printed in Oxford which arrived the following year.
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Size: 283 x 418 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[b1-b4, ¶1-¶2, B1-3I3 (OT), 3I4-3Y1 (Apocrypha), t.p., 3Y3-4Q3 (NT)]
Contemporary full calf folio binding with blindstamped panelling design with old crude repairs replacing some lost leather, still with some loss nonetheless. Piece of leather attached across the spine to both boards securing them, covering one of the spine's compartments. Joints cracked but with boards attached. Binding rubbed with some losses as pictured, but the binding is contemporary which is an added rarity.
Lacking General and Old Testament title page, though most copies only call for a general title page. A few leaf edge repairs with some leaves remaining ragged at edges. Extensive wormholing to inner gutter throughout the text block starting in the Apocrypha and continuing through to the end, but with the most severe contained to the Apocryphal books. Text block mildly toned but generally very clean throughout. Else internally very nice and clean, bright, and remains readable.
A very rare, very large, with beautiful type, antique King James Bible printed just following the restoration of the monarchy after Cromwell.
[Herbert 717; ESTC R38709].
