1607 GENEVA BIBLE. Fine Textually Complete Example in Bespoke 17th Century Binding with Tantalizing Provenance.

 A very handsome, bespoke binding example of a beautifully preserved Geneva Bible, being Herbert Catalogue #291; Darlow & Moule 224; and STC 2201.

There were actually two Barker imprints of this date which differ throughout. This example is variant B, with printer's name Barker correct in general title; New Testament title not dated; colophon dated 1607; and Gen. 1.2 have "forme."

The Bible. Translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke, and conferred with the best Translations in divers Languages. With most profitable Annotations upon all the hard places, and other things of great importance as may appeare in the Epistle to the Reader. And also a most Profitable Concordance for the ready finding out of any thing in the same contained. Imprinted at London: Robert Barker, 1607.

The general title beautifully preserved, appearing nearly untouched. The New Testamant is similar, though with sepia ink scribbles in the lower margin. Black letter text throughout the Old Testament crisp and bright with wide margins and decorative initials. A few similar sepia margin scribbles and a handful of 17th or 18th century marginalia, generally connected to the Scripture at hand. Two leaves of Ezekiel have a very minor singe in lower margin extending perhaps 1/8 of an inch onto the page. Nothing impacted. The Apocrypha is present, as usual, and similarly crisp. The NT title is also present with wide margins, though the sepia ink scribble exists in the lower margin, not impacting the title itself. 

It should be noted that the repeated sepia is covering some handwriting underneath; in some cases it appears to be a signature and in others actual handwritten notes. There are perhaps 5 occasions throughout the volume. 

Fascinatingly, it includes an apparently original stanza of poetry opposite the general title in a 17th century hand which we have been unable to trace.

Esteem all earthly things as silly toys -
for at the last they are but fading joys.
In all we doe something we doe amiss
and our perfections imperfections is.

This little poem will appear more tantalizing in a moment. 

The present volume was once the ownership of the polymath, William Shenstone [1714-1763]. See here: William Shenstone - Wikipedia

There are two further features of interest. One has to do with the G. H. on the cover and the above poem. The other has to do with a later inscription of one John Webster.

William Shenstone was a noted collector of poetry and manuscripts. He played in integral role in having Thomas Percy's manuscript of Reliques of Ancient Poetry published by Robert Dodsley in 1763 and had amassed a significant collection of important works, manuscripts, and provenanced items. 

It has been suggested, and I grant a long shot, that the volume may be have been purchased by Shenstone because it was or purported to be the Bible of the poet, George Herbert or that of the playwright John Webster, or both. Certainly the quirky poem bears some similarity to Herbert's use of language, i.e. the use of "silly," the repetition of "we do . . . we do" and the turn of "perfections imperfections." And it is stamped on the binding, G. H. consistent with the period. This would take significant research. 

For George Herbert, see here: George Herbert - Wikipedia

The early John Webster inscription includes the text, "Execute your pen with an willing mind. Say not you love unless you do for long." It is then signed in an early 17th century hand by John Webst [er cut off]. Again, it has been suggested that this is the inscription of the famous dramatist, John Webster [1580-1632]. I am unable to trace any examples of his handwriting, though stylistically and for the period it seems correct. 

For John Webster, see here: John Webster - Wikipedia

It would be a significant endeavor to establish this with any degree of certainty beyond "perhaps." That said, if it were possible, the owner would have a precious commodity indeed on their hands. Tantalizing as it is, we have not significantly figured this into our valuation of the item. 

The Two Right Concordances are bound in afterward and are similarly crisp with the exception of one small puncture in a leaf, perhaps 1/4 x 3/8 inch, and another lacking a small corner, not impacting text. 

Bound with an incomplete The Booke of Common Prayer, with the Psalter or Psalmes of David at the front and also an incomplete The Whole Booke of Psalmes. Collected into English meter by Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins, and others at the rear. 

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