[GREAT BIBLE]. The Byble in Englyshe, that is to saye the content of all the holy scrypture, bothe of ye olde and newe testament, truly translated after the veryte of the Hebrue and Greke textes, by ye dylygent studye of dyuerse excellent learned men, expert in theforsayde tongues. Imprinted at London in Flete-strete, at the sygne of the Sunne, ouer agaynst the conduyte, by Edwarde Whitchurche. The xxix. day of December, the yeare of our Lorde. M.D.XLIX [1549]. First Edition thus / Folio Great Bible. Printed in double-column Black Letter Gothic typeface
This breathtaking mid-Tudor landmark is a foundational pillar of the English Reformation and the development of the English language itself. Published in December 1549 under the brief, volatile reign of the boy-king Edward VI, this massive folio represents the historic revival of the "Great Bible"—the first translation officially authorized to be read aloud in English churches.
The translation, edited by Miles Coverdale, serves as a bridge between William Tyndale's martyred work and the later King James Version. What makes this copy a museum-grade showpiece is its visual presentation. The volume retains its magnificent divisional title pages—including The Seconde Parte, The Thyrd Part, and The Newe Testament—each beautifully framed within complex, historiated architectural woodcut blocks depicting classical motifs, biblical allegories, and the dramatic, storytelling blocks within the text itself.
Historical Significance & Content
Before the printing press broke the monopoly on knowledge, books were symbols of pure state power—and this 1549 Folio Great Bible was the ultimate contraband turned official law. Dropping you straight into the dangerous, fast-moving landscape of Tudor politics, this text represents the exact moment the English language was wrenched away from Latin secrecy and given directly to the common people. This isn't just a sacred book; it's a revolutionary political engine.
Prefaced by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer’s famous Prologue (which closes with a bold, defiant block-printed "God save the Kyng"), this edition was designed to be chained to church pulpits across the nation. Its double-column Gothic typeface and bold visual programs operated as early modern visual art, transforming ancient near-eastern texts into high-stakes English literature. It stands as a stunning monument for anyone obsessed with the history of free thought, state censorship, and the raw power of the written word.
The Exterior
A stunning, masterfully executed bespoke masterwork binding. Hardcover bound in a heavy, rich cream-colored full alum-tanned pigskin leather over thick, heavy boards. The front and rear covers are ornately stamped with delicate geometric blind tooling and fortified with a period museum-grade suite of heavy antique brass fixtures. Features four thick, defensive corner guards on each board, matching top and bottom center metal bosses, and complete operational heavy leather straps closing tightly on the fore-edge with beautiful, delicate clasps.
The Interior
A highly impressive, robust text block. The hand-pressed rag paper leaves remain remarkably crisp, thick, and durable, showing an honest, uniform ivory age-toning and typical minor peripheral corner smudging or light historical water-toning to the early leaves. Includes the rare general title page, Cranmer's Prologue, and the distinct divisional woodcut titles. The Black Letter typography remains remarkably dark and sharp.
We provide detailed photographs to allow you to assess the book's condition and aesthetic appeal. Many, if not all, of the early books and Bibles we offer will show signs of aging, whether it's foxing on the pages, dog-eared or chipped corners, inscriptions from previous owners, or staining from years of use. Read more
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