Date: 1605
Work: Geneva “Breeches” Bible
Language: English
Format: Individual original leaves
Printing: Early 17th century letterpress on rag paper
Offered here are original leaves from a 1605 Geneva Bible, commonly known as the “Breeches Bible.” These pages come from the Old Testament and are being sold individually.
The Geneva Bible was first published in 1560 by English Protestant reformers in Geneva and became the most widely read English Bible of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It was the Bible used by the Pilgrims and Puritans and remained the dominant English translation until the King James Version (1611).
This famous edition earned the nickname “Breeches Bible” from the translation of Genesis 3:7, where Adam and Eve sew fig leaves together to make themselves “breeches.”
These leaves feature classic Geneva Bible characteristics, including:
• Early blackletter Gothic type
• Extensive marginal commentary and study notes
• Chapter summaries titled “The Argument”
• Decorative woodcut initials
• Early modern spelling and typography
• Printed on durable handmade rag paper
Each leaf is an authentic early 1600s letterpress page and shows typical age-related toning consistent with a book printed over 400 years ago.
These leaves are ideal for:
• collectors of early printed Bibles
• Reformation-era history collectors
• manuscript and early printing enthusiasts
• framing as historical display pieces
Condition:
Original antique condition with expected toning, edge wear, and occasional staining consistent with age. Please review photos for details. (The above photos are samples)
Missing leaves:
The following leaves are not included in this group:
Genesis 1–8 and 17–18
Exodus 23–33
Numbers leaf 59 through end of the book
Deuteronomy up to leaf 72
Judges / Ruth / 1 Samuel leaves 103–113
Zechariah leaves 354–359
All other Old Testament leaves from this disbound volume are available.
All leaves will be packed with a wooden back-board and plastic covering for its protection.
Dimensions (Approximately):
Height - 20.5cm
Width - 16cm
IT WILL BE AT OUR DISCRETION WHICH LEAF WILL BE SENT IN EACH SALE.
