1568 Bishops Bible, First Edition, Framed

Who is this gift for?
This 442 year old leaf would make a perfect gift for pastors, friends who love the Bible, students of English literature. This framed leaf will make a wonderful gift for those who value history, the Bible, and quality literature.

About the Leaf
Measurements: Leaf is 10" X 15" ; frame is 18.5" x 22.5"
Language: English
Text: 2 Samuel 22-23
Printing Date: 1568
Total weight of leaf and frame is 6.5 lbs

The Bishops Bible holds an important place in history. Since the Geneva Bible could hardly be expected to find favor among the leaders of the Church of England. Elizabeth herself was not too well disposed towards the Puritans, and the bishops in general belonged to the less extreme party in the church

The archbishop of Canterbury, Matthew Parker, was himself a scholar, and took up the creation of a new Bible translation. The basis of the new version was to be the authorized Great Bible. Portions of the text were assigned to various revisers, the majority of whom were bishops. The archbishop excercised a general supervision over the work, but there does not appear to have been any organized system of collaboration or revision. The volume was equipped with notes, shorter than those of the Geneva Bible, and generally exegetical.

The Bishop's Bible appeared in 1568, from the press of R. Jugge, in a large folio volume, slightly exceeding even the dimensions of the Great Bible. Parker applied through Cecil for the royal sanction, but it does not appear that he ever obtained it; but Convocation in 1571 required a copy to be kept in every archbishop's and bishop's house and in every cathedral, and, as far as could conveniently be done, in all churches.

The Bishops' Bible, in fact, superseded the Great Bible as the official version, but it never attained the popularity and influence of the Geneva Bible. A second edition was issued in 1569, in which a considerable number of alterations were made, partly, it appears, as the result of the criticisms of Giles Laurence, professor of Greek at Oxford. In 1572 a third edition appeared, of importance chiefly in the New Testament, and in some cases reverting to the first edition of 1568. In this form the Bishops' Bible continued in official use until its supersession by the version of 1611, of which it formed the immediate basis.

About the printer:
Richard Jugge of London was appointed printer of the Queen on March 24, 1560. He shared this title with John Cawood.

About the presentation:
* Leaf is beautifully set in a handsome wood frame ready for immediate gift giving and display.

* Leaf is centered on a beautiful dark wood display frame, with glass holding the leaf in place. This type of framing elegantly allows clear view of the leaf, instant ability to display.