1610 Geneva "Breeches" Bible, OT, NT, Tables and WBOP, Inscribed, W/ Brass Work

1610 Geneva “Breeches” Bible – Herbert 303 – Printed by Robert Barker – Original Brass Ornaments – Early English Manuscript Inscriptions – 199 × 137 mm

Description

An exceptionally rare and desirable 1610 Geneva Bible, printed in London by Robert Barker, printer to the King’s most excellent majesty, and classified as Herbert 303.

This edition represents one of the final printings of the celebrated Geneva translation—the “Bible of the Reformation”—issued only a year before the appearance of the 1611 King James Bible.

The volume retains its original early 17th-century binding with brass corner and clasp ornaments still present, a remarkable survival. The text block measures 199 × 137 mm, matching Herbert’s octavo description.

As with other known copies of Herbert 303, this example lacks the Old Testament title page (as issued) and features the Book of Tables dated 1608. The metrical Psalter includes 128 of approximately 150 Psalms, preserving the distinctive layout of the Geneva editions.

Printing and Provenance

Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, 1610.

Barker is most famous as the printer of the first edition of the King James Bible (1611). This 1610 Geneva Bible therefore stands as the immediate textual and historical predecessor to the Authorized Version.

The volume includes two distinct sets of early 17th-century handwritten inscriptions—moving examples of personal devotion by its earliest owners.

First inscription – Ownership Verses

On the opening flyleaf, two rhyming couplets typical of the period:

Thomas [A---] his booke,
God give him grace therein to looke,
And when the bell for him doth toll,
Lord Jesus Christ receive his soule.

Thomas [Brooks?] oweth this booke,
God send him grace therein to looke,
And not to look but understand,
For learnynge cometh not by hand.

These verses were commonly written by early Bible owners as expressions of faith and personal connection to Scripture. They likely date from the mid-1600s, suggesting continuous use and reverence for several generations.

Second inscription – Scriptural Reflections

Another leaf, later in the New Testament, contains devotional notes in a different but contemporary hand:

the first Booke of Saint Peter – and see 4 ver: you shall find these wordes:
“Now the end of all thinges is at hand; be ye therefore sober and watching in prayers.”

Now is Christ risen …

Daniell cast into the lions den.

These quotations refer to 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Corinthians 15:20, and the Book of Daniel, combining apocalyptic awareness, resurrection hope, and steadfast faith—themes central to Protestant devotion of the era. The pen flourishes and practice lines suggest the book served as both a spiritual notebook and a cherished personal possession.

Condition

• Rebound placing original brass work and leather on new leather binding (Spine replaced)

• Original early 17th-century binding with brass corner and clasp fittings intact.

• Text block complete as issued for Herbert 303.

• Old Testament title page lacking, as in other examples.

• Book of Tables dated 1608.

• 126 Psalms present (of ca. 150).

• Expected toning, handling wear, and small repairs consistent with age.

• Multiple early manuscript inscriptions as described above.

• A sound and appealing example of an increasingly scarce Geneva Bible.

Historical Significance

The Geneva Bible (first issued 1560) was the most influential English Bible of the Reformation period—read by Shakespeare, carried by the Puritans, and brought to America aboard the Mayflower (1620).

This 1610 edition, produced by the King’s printer Robert Barker, is among the last Genevas printed before the dominance of the King James Version. It stands at the exact transition point between the Reformation and Stuart religious culture.

Why Collectors Value This Bible

Printed by Robert Barker – printer of the 1611 King James Bible
Much of the original 17th-century binding with brass ornaments intact
Two early handwritten inscriptions – personalized devotional verses and biblical quotations
Herbert 303 classification, an established bibliographic variant
Bridges the Geneva and King James traditions
Ideal for serious collectors, museums, or scholars of English Reformation printing

Bibliographic Reference

Herbert, Historical Catalogue of Printed Editions of the English Bible 1525–1961, No. 303.

Dimensions

Text block: 199 × 137 mm (≈ 7.8 × 5.4 in)

Weight - 1.6KG

Height - 22cm

Width - 17cm

Thickness - 7.5cm
Binding: original leather with brass corners and clasps holders bound onto new leather.

A Rare Survival of England’s Reformation Bible

A beautifully preserved 1610 Geneva “Breeches” Bible, printed by the King’s printer on the eve of the Authorized Version—retaining its original brass-fitted binding and bearing the devotional handwriting of its earliest readers. A true relic of early English faith and printing history.