The English Bible

Title: The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and the New: Newly translated out of the Original Tongues: and with the former translations diligently compared and revised
Date: 1660
Location: London
Publisher: Henry Hills and John Field
Size: 6¾ x 5 x 1¼ inches

The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and the New: Newly translated out of the Original Tongues: and with the former translations diligently compared and revised, which henceforth will be referred to as the English Bible, was printed in London in 1660, and is an example of a King James Bible. The English Bible measures 6.5 inches x 4.5 inches (17 cm x 11 cm), bound in dark brown leather with a gold border design consisting of geometric shapes and flowers and features two sterling silver clasps.

The English Bible was printed by Henry Hills and John Field, and, even though the translators are not named, the legitimacy of the translation is attested to in a letter “to the most high and mighty prince, James, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of Faith, &c.” that can be found directly after the publication page. This letter to King James I affirms that the English Bible follows the King James Version of the text, meaning it contains the standard format of the King James Bible and will include the 39 books of the Old Testament, 14 books of the Apocrypha, and the 27 books of the New Testament.

       

However, unlike most King James Bibles, the English Bible gives us further information on a presumed former owner through the spectacular fore-edge paintings of a griffin and stag holding standards emblazoned with heraldry: images synonymous with English notions of nobility.