Description
The translation of the Bible in English commissioned by King James I of England was completed and printed in 1611. While this was by no means the first translation of the Bible into English, it was the first authorized translation that helped codify the English language. The text was printed on rag linen paper using iron gall ink. Catchwords and signatures are evident in the lower right-hand margins, as these techniques were used to assist the printer. The folio-size book was printed using a blackletter or Gothic font, which further emphasized the book's regal nature. The omission of illustrations and commentary evinces the influence of King James I, who did not approve of such interpretations. The Bentley Rare Book Museum owns excerpts a 1611 King James Bible including the full books of Numbers, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Matthew, as well as the Apocrypha.
Citation
Excerpt of "The Fourth Book of Moses Called Numbers" in the King James Bible. London: Printed by Robert Barker, 1611. Bentley Rare Book Museum.
