1549 Matthew Bible Leaf (Jeremiah Ch. 3-4)
This remarkable leaf comes from the 1549 reprint of the original 1537 Matthew-Tyndale Bible, a landmark in the history of English Bible translation. The Matthew Bible is celebrated as the first complete English Bible translated directly from the original Hebrew and Greek sources. Compiled by John Rogers, who wrote under the name "Thomas Matthew," this edition masterfully blends William Tyndale’s pioneering New Testament with Rogers’ completion of the Old Testament, building upon Tyndale’s earlier work. This artifact stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who made the scriptures accessible to English-speaking readers.
The 1549 reprint represents a rare and important artifact from the Reformation period, a time when translating the Bible into English was both revolutionary and dangerous. This edition was published during a period of religious upheaval, making it a symbol of the enduring struggle for access to scripture in the vernacular.
Rarity:
Surviving leaves from the 1549 Matthew Bible are exceedingly rare, as many copies were lost or destroyed due to the political and religious turmoil of the 16th century. Each leaf is a unique fragment of history, offering a tangible connection to the Reformation and the early efforts to make the Bible accessible to English-speaking believers. The craftsmanship of the printing, combined with the historical context, makes this an invaluable piece for collectors, historians, and bibliophiles alike.