PREMIER LEAF FROM THE AUTHORIZED (KING JAMES) BIBLE

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE

London, 1611

An Original Leaf from the Old Testament

Item Description: A leaf from the very first press run of the original King James Bible: literally printed in the year 1611 in London, England… these leaves (pages) are over 400 years old.  For many people, the English Bible as we know it today IS the King James Bible, and there is no printing of the King James Bible even ONE year older than these 1611 leaves. 

The King James Bible remains the greatest book in the English language and the best-selling book of all time. Whether framed and displayed in your home, or given as a wonderfully unique gift: these ancient original treasures are so large and beautifully typeset as to command the attention they deserve. They really cause people to stop and stare in awe… and sometimes in disbelief that it could possibly be the real thing. It is!

These HUGE “Pulpit Folio” size leaves are currently the finest on the market. This limited supply of our finest leaves measure approximately 16.5 inches tall by 11.25 inches wide…so large that you can read them from half-way across the room! Those sold by our competitors are often significantly damaged with trimmed margins, making them undesirable material for display. In comparison, we take pride in offering the finest and most beautiful examples that you can find available. 


Printed on 100% rag cotton linen sheet, not wood-pulp paper like books today; they remain in excellent condition… even after 400 years. Each leaf is a unique piece of ancient artwork, carefully produced one-at-a-time by the King’s printers using a movable-type press, and later bound together into whole Bibles, and chained to every church pulpit in England. These genuine original antiquities are among the most rare and precious pieces of our history and Christian heritage.


The individual leaf that is offered in this auction will ship securely and is sold unframed. Any photograph featuring King James I of England, a professionally framed presentation of a leaf, the General Title Pages of the complete work or an original armorial binding are for illustration purposes only. 

This item is in excellent antiquarian condition and is considered investment grade. Small imperfections and slight staining may be present, due to the fact that the cotton linen rag paper is handmade and is now over four hundred years old. Original woodcut art illustrations are present in the form of decorated initials and remain in an impeccable state.  

For an additional fee, framing services are available upon request.

____________________________________

Rare Bibles specializes in early printed English Bibles, books, manuscripts, and objet d’art. Items listed on eBay are merely representative of our broader inventory. Please do not hesitate to enquire regarding other early printed books and manuscripts.