1578 Geneva Bible – First Pulpit Folio Edition Printed in England
Description:
For sale is a rare and historically significant 1578 Geneva Bible, the first large folio edition of the Geneva Bible ever printed in England, classified as Herbert 154. Printed in London by Christopher Barker, Queen Elizabeth I's printer, this edition represents a key moment in the history of English Bibles and the Reformation.
The binding has been restored previously, A "new" leather underlayer was added, with the original covers added on top. Seamlessly and thoughtfully melding the two to maintain the beauty of the bible.
This Bible features:
Double-column, black letter type
woodcut initials and marginal commentary
New Testament title page dated 1578
printed in black letter
Traditional marginal notes typical of the Geneva version
Numerous woodcut initials and decorative ornaments
Complete New and Old Testament
Text block measures 32 × 20 cm, consistent with Herbert 154 large folio specifications
Why This Bible Is Collectible — and Why You Should Buy It
First large Folio Edition Printed in England: This 1578 Geneva Bible (Herbert 154) is the very first time the Geneva Bible was printed in England in pulpit folio format — marking a major shift in religious, political, and printing history. Most earlier Geneva Bibles were printed in exile (Geneva, Switzerland); this copy shows the Reformation’s acceptance under Elizabeth I.
Used by Puritans & Pilgrims: The Geneva Bible was the Bible of Shakespeare, John Knox, and the Mayflower Pilgrims. Its marginal notes reflected a Protestant and reformist worldview, making it arguably the most politically influential English Bible before the King James Version.
Rare and Historically Grounded: While Geneva Bibles are collectible, Herbert 154 is especially scarce — being a large-format, government-sanctioned edition printed by the Queen’s official printer. Most surviving copies are in institutions or locked away in rare book collections.
16th-Century Printing: Printed over 445 years ago, this volume captures the earliest decades of English Bible production, with period Gothic type, woodcut initials, and Renaissance-era paper — a direct artifact of the Reformation and Elizabethan England.
Investment-Grade Antiquarian Book: Early English Bibles, particularly large folios like this one, have consistently appreciated in value. Even incomplete copies are highly desirable. This Bible offers both a piece of religious and printing history, and a tangible link to the rise of English Protestantism.
Dimensions:
Weight - 4.46KG
Height - 36.5cm
Width - 25cm
Thickness - 8cm
Damage (Please see in above photos for examples of damage):
Slight wearing on spine and covers.
Loss to bottom corners of leaves pp. 7, 62, 79, 84, 86, 89
Bible starts at Genesis chapter 3
Final 7 leaves show losses and have had professional repairs
Missing General title page
Most of leaf p. 202
Entire leaf p. 255
Partial losses to pp. 256, 265, 272, 275, 292, and 329
