Rare Pre-1600s First Editions on Display

November 25, 2024

Styberg Library is excited to display two rare sixteenth-century first editions of the Bible from the Keen Bible Collection starting November 2024.

Printed in 1552 during the reign of Edward VI, the Jugge’s New Testament contains the final notes and translations of William Tyndale, in addition to Richard Jugge’s footnotes and efforts to closely consult and reflect the original Greek text more completely. This edition was much smaller in size than the original Tyndale translations, and it was more readily accepted by the larger community, as the country was becoming more sympathetic to the Protestant cause. It is thought to have directly influenced the Reformers in Geneva with their translation of the New Testament, which was published in 1560. This publication contains over one hundred beautiful wood cuts throughout and ornamental letters beginning many chapters.

Printed in Switzerland in 1560 and dedicated to Elizabeth I, the Geneva Bible is a product of several Genevan scholars, including John Knox, who consulted and depended upon other translations in an effort to improve upon and provide the best translation of the Bible up to that point. Distinctly Calvinist in approach, with an introduction by John Calvin, this translation was heavily used by the Puritans and was known as “the people’s Bible.” This translation was the first to use Roman type with verse divisions. It also contains numerous elaborate engravings as well as five maps to illustrate the geography of both the Old and New Testaments and some study aids.