1605 Geneva Bible Leaves: Complete Book of Psalms and Preface

Offered here is a remarkable group of original early 17th-century Bible leaves believed to be from a 1605 Geneva Bible, including what appears to be the entire Book of Psalms and the Preface section.

These leaves are printed in the distinctive blackletter (Gothic) typeface typical of early English Bibles and feature decorative woodcut initials, ornamental printer’s devices, and period typography. The paper is handmade rag paper, characteristic of early modern printing.

The Geneva Bible (first printed in 1560) was one of the most influential English Bibles of the Reformation era and was widely used throughout the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Included Sections:
• Preface to the Christian Reader
• Portions of the Book of Common Prayer material (Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony sections)
• The Psalms of David – complete Psalter

The Psalms pages include headings such as:
"The Psalmes of David, of that translation which is commonly used in the Church."

Several pages contain decorative drop capitals and printer ornaments, typical of Geneva Bible editions printed in England during the late 1500s and early 1600s.

Some leaves also show period handwritten marginal notes, adding historical character and suggesting devotional use by a reader centuries ago.

Printing Characteristics:
• Blackletter type with Roman headings
• Two-column layout
• Decorative woodcut initials
• Hand-laid rag paper
• Early modern English spelling

Condition:
These are loose leaves from a disbound Bible. Pages show expected wear for 400+ year old paper:

• Edge wear and losses
• Tears and corner damage
• Age toning and staining
• Some pages trimmed or irregular
• Text remains readable on most leaves

Please review photos carefully for condition details.

Historical Significance:

The Geneva Bible was the Bible of the English Reformation and was used by many early English Protestants. It predates the King James Version and remained widely printed well into the early 1600s.

These leaves represent authentic examples of early English Bible printing and devotional literature, making them appealing for collectors of:

• Antiquarian books
• Early printed Bibles
• Reformation history
• Historic manuscripts and ephemera

Ideal For:
• Bible collectors
• Historical paper collectors
• Framing and display pieces
• Study of early English typography
• Reformation and church history collections

Leaves will be packed with a wooden board and protective plastic.

Dimensions (Approximately):

Height -  21cm

Width - 16cm