1595 Geneva Breeches Bible printed by Christopher Barker, Theo. Beza

Description

This 1595 Geneva Bible, printed by the deputies of Christopher Barker, is a quarto edition of the Geneva Bible, an important and influential version of the scriptures for late 16th-century Protestants. This 1595 version is a significant historical artifact that provides insight into the era’s religious, cultural, and publishing landscape.

Size: approx. 6 1/4 inches wide x approx. 8 1/4 tall x approx. 2 inches thick.

Condition: Has what appears to be an early 1700 leather rebind with a later leather repair to the spine. Small repair to OT title page. Missing 1 John 3:9-Revelation 22:21, otherwise appears to be complete. See all photos and read description for condition.

Family History: Anna Marie Wood born 8/12/1753, William Wood born 7/16/1756 son of William and Anna Wood, Joseph Wood born 5/18/1746, John Wood born 5/30/1751, George Gray 1673, William Gray, John Gray born 1687, Marion Gray born 1/30/1679.

Significance:

• Bible of the English Reformation: The Geneva Bible was created by Protestant reformers who fled England during the reign of Catholic Queen Mary I. It was the most widely used and read English translation for decades among English-speaking Protestants, influencing generations of readers, including William Shakespeare and the Pilgrims who sailed to America.
• A “people’s Bible”: Unlike prior English Bible translations, which were largely inaccessible, the Geneva Bible was affordable and portable. Its smaller size (a quarto, or 8vo, measuring about 21 cm) made it ideal for personal and family use.
• The first study Bible: The Geneva Bible revolutionized biblical study by being the first English version to include a comprehensive set of study aids. These features, which were heavily used by Protestants to interpret scripture themselves, included:
  • Marginal annotations: Explanations and theological commentary on complex passages, though some of these notes were known for their anti-Catholic bias.
  • Verse divisions and cross-references: The text was divided into numbered verses for the first time, simplifying navigation.
  • Woodcut illustrations and maps: Visual aids like maps of the Holy Land and the Garden of Eden helped readers visualize the biblical world.

Interesting facts:

• The “Breeches Bible”: Early editions of the Geneva Bible, including the text used for the 1595 printing, are nicknamed the “Breeches Bible” for their unique translation of Genesis 3:7. It describes Adam and Eve making themselves “breeches” to cover their nakedness.
• Queen’s printer patent: Christopher Barker held a royal patent for the exclusive right to print Bibles in England during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. After his death, his “deputies” continued to produce editions like the 1595 Bible under this lucrative patent.
• Influence on the King James Version: Though the Geneva Bible was politically and theologically unpopular with King James I, the later King James Version of 1611 drew heavily on its phrasing and scholarship, reflecting the Geneva Bible’s high regard for textual accuracy.

Rarity:

• Fragile: The 1595 Geneva Bible is not commonly found in excellent condition. As a family Bible, it would have seen heavy use, leading to wear and tear over centuries.
• Survival rate: The book’s utilitarian nature meant that many were eventually lost or destroyed.