1578 Geneva Bible (First Pulpit Folio) Christopher Barker | (SOLD) | (Herbert 154)

Brief History of Geneva Bible

The 1578 Geneva Bible is the First Edition of a large “Pulpit Folio” printing of the famous Geneva Bible. This Bible is over 440 years old. This is the first Geneva Bible printed specifically for the church pulpit; a grand display piece nearly twice the size of all our other Geneva Bibles of its time. The Geneva Bible was first printed in Geneva, Switzerland, by refugees from England, fleeing the persecution of Protestants by Roman Catholic Queen “Bloody” Mary. Many copies were smuggled back into England at great personal risk. In later years, when Protestant-friendly Queen Elizabeth took the throne the printing of the Geneva Bible moved to England. The Geneva Bible was produced by John Calvin, John Knox, Myles Coverdale, John Foxe, and other Reformers. It is the version that William Shakespeare quotes from hundreds of times in his plays, and the first English Bible to offer plain roman-style type. The Geneva Bible was the first Bible taken to America, by way of the Mayflower and upon this Bible the early American government was founded. The Geneva Bible was also the first English Bible to break the chapters of scripture into numbered verses, and it was the first true “Study Bible” offering extensive commentary notes in the margins. It was so accurate and popular, that a half-century later, when the King James Bible was printed, it retained more than 90% of the exact wording of the beloved Geneva Bible.

History of Christopher Barker

Christopher Barker was a prominent figure of the late 16th century, primarily recognized for his role as a printer and publisher in London. Born around 1540, Barker became the official printer to Queen Elizabeth I, a position that significantly elevated his status and influence in the publishing industry. His work was crucial during a time when the English Reformation was reshaping religious practices in England. In 1578, Barker was responsible for printing this first large-folio Geneva Bible. Often referred to as a "Barker Bible," describing any Bible printed by Christopher Barker or his son Robert, who held the royal monopoly on Bible printing in England for 132 years.

London in 1578

The year 1578 was pivotal for London, as it was a time of considerable religious tension and transformation. The city was witnessing the effects of the Protestant Reformation, which had led to significant changes in the Church of England's structure and practices.

• Religious Tensions: The Protestant Reformation had created a divide between Catholics and Protestants, leading to conflicts and debates that permeated London society.

• Literacy and Education: The push for education and literacy was gaining momentum, with the printing press facilitating the spread of pamphlets, books, and Bibles, including Barker's editions.

• Cultural Flourishing: London was becoming a cultural hub, with the emergence of theaters, literature, and art influenced by the changing religious landscape.

• Political Climate: Queen Elizabeth I's reign brought relative stability, but the threat of Catholic plots and foreign intervention loomed, influencing public sentiment and publications.

The combination of Barker's contributions to printing and the broader socio-religious context of London in 1578 highlights the significance of this period in shaping English culture and religious thought.

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