The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments
Edinburgh: Printed by Mark and Charles Kerr, His Majesty’s Printers, 1789.

A substantial Georgian King James Bible, printed in Edinburgh during the reign of George III and in the same year as the outbreak of the French Revolution.

The Bible is printed in double columns with extensive marginal references and retains both its general title page and separate New Testament title page, each dated 1789 and decorated with the British Royal Arms.

Provenance

The volume contains two early ownership inscriptions recording:

“George Brown, his Book, October 11th 1796.”

Dating only seven years after publication, these provide an attractive piece of contemporary Georgian provenance.

Historical Context

Printed in 1789, this Bible appeared during one of the defining years of European history. That year saw the storming of the Bastille and beginning of the French Revolution, while George III remained on the British throne.

Condition

Presented in a heavily worn early leather binding with extensive rubbing, leather loss, exposed board, worn corners and evidence of historic repair or alteration.

Internally considerably better preserved, with expected toning, staining, handling marks, creasing, occasional tears and historic repairs. Both the general and New Testament title pages remain present.

Dimensions:

Weight - 2.4kg 

Height - 27cm

Width - 22cm

Thickness - 7cm