King James I (reigned 1603–1625) commissioned an English translation of the Bible from a committee of fifty-four translators. This massive undertaking produced the “King James,” or the “Authorized Version,” in 1611. James intended for the Authorized Version to replace the popular Geneva translation, although it took some time for its influence to take hold. The large folio or lectern printing of the King James Bible shown here was issued with a variety of informational materials, including a note on the translation, a map of the Holy Land, a full calendar of the church year, and an extensive genealogical chart from Adam and Eve to Christ.
The Holy Bible, Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New. London: Robert Barker, 1611. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress
Call number: BS185 1611
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