The four gospels, from the first edition of the King James Bible.: [The gospel according to S. Matthew; Mark; Luke; and John.]

London: Imprinted by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Maiestie,, 1611. The essence of Christianity in the King's English First edition of the Authorized Version of the four gospels, extracted from a first edition King James Bible and specially bound. The project was commissioned by the monarch to give the English Church an authoritative version of the Bible and conclude decades of competing translations in the aftermath of the Reformation. Produced by 50 leading scholars of diverse qualifications and varying religious convictions, the Authorized Version is often described as the greatest literary work created by a committee. The stately rhythms and simple but elevated prose style of this translation, somewhat archaic from the outset, have permanently imbued the English language with gravitas and a rich stock of universally recognisable phrases. In 1828 Thomas Babington Macaulay famously called it "a book which, if everything else in our language should perish, would alone suffice to show the whole extent of its beauty and power" (cited in PMM). Care needs to be taken to distinguish between the first ("He") and second ("She") editions. The sheets here have all the requisite spellings to distinguish them as originating from the true first edition, as set out by Norton. Folio (388 x 264 mm). Early 20th-century panelled calf, spine lettered in gilt. Housed in blue felt-lined cloth chemise within blue quarter morocco slipcase. Four parts, each complete, together with the NT title page dated 1611. Some staining and soiling particularly in gutter, small chip at outer margin of B3 and C4 not affecting text, repair to short closed tear at foot of E3 not into text, still a very good copy, without any supplied or facsimile leaves. Darlow & Moule 240; Herbert 309; Printing and the Mind of Man 114; STC 2216. David Norton, "Appendix 2: First and second edition variations", in A Textual History of the King James Bible, 2005.