The Holy BibleThe Holy Bible
Containing the Old and New Testaments
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Rare Book, 1782
Current format, Rare Book, 1782, , Available by request.Rare Book, 1782
Current format, Rare Book, 1782, , Available by request. Offered in 0 more formatsTitle availability
About
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- Printer, Bookseller
- Former owner
- Former owner
Subject and genre
Notes
Notes
- This, the "Aitken Bible," is the first complete English Bible printed in America, bearing an American imprint; it was approved and recommended by a resolution of the U.S. Congress assembled on Sept. 12, 1782, authorizing the publisher "to publish this recommendation in the manner he shall think proper." (cf. Journals of the Continental Congress, Washington, 1914, vol. XXIII, 1782, p.572-574; cf. also John Wright, Early Bibles of America, 1894, p. 51-67).
- Of the New Testament, earlier editions were issued by Aitken in 1777, 1778 and 1779. The New Testament in the Aitken Bible is therefore the 4th edition, and has title: The New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: Newly translated out of the original Greek: And with the former tthe ranslations diligently compared and revised. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by R. Aitken, bookseller, and opposite the Coffee-house, Front-street. 1781.
- Sometimes called the Bible of the Revolution.
- Signatures: A¹²(A1+chi1(=3A6)) B-2Z¹² 3A⁶(-3A6(=chi1)); ²A-U⁶ W⁶ X-2D⁶.
- Vol 1: title vignette: arms of Pennsylvania; vol. 2: printer's woodcut monogram on title-page verso.
- Text in double-columns; unpaginated; press figure (cross) on first recto of most gatherings in New Testament.
Access restrictions
- Access to physical copy/copies by appointment only. Please contact Boston Public Library Rare Books and Manuscripts Department for further information.
References
- English short title catalogue, W4490
- Evans, C. American bibliography, no. 17473
Notes
- Boston Public Library (Rare Books Department) copy Q.450.74: In City Hall Council Chambers on November 16, 2021, Michelle Wu took her oath of office on this copy to become the 56th Mayor of the City of Boston.
- Boston Public Library (Rare Books Department) copy Q.450.74: In Boston's Symphony Hall on January 5, 2026, Michelle Wu took her oath of office on this copy after being elected to a second term as Mayor of the City of Boston.
- Boston Public Library (Rare Books Department) copy Q.450.74 bound in contemporary sheepskin. "AR" inscribed on top edge of text block. Spine unlabeled. Bookplate of A. Edward Newton. Contemporary autograph at head of title page: "George Roberts"; printed imprint date converted to "1782" in a contemporary hand. Tears to T5 and T6 repaired with no losses. Lower right corner of 2K9 and ²K6 torn away, with some losses to text. Final two lines of ²W6 recto damaged and printed below the lines. Early/contemporary autograph ("Arthur Roberts") on recto of rear flyleaf with "Alexandria Virginia" written in pencil. Housed in a black goatskin pull-off case by Zucker of Philadelphia. Purchased from the A. Edward Newton sale in May, 1941.
Details
Publication
- Philadelphia : Printed and sold by R. Aitken, at Pope's Head, three doors above the Coffee-house, in Market Street, MDCCLXXXII [1782]
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