This is the first American edition of John Brown’s (1722–1787) popular Self-Interpreting Bible, noted for its famous frontispiece, its historical list of subscribers, and for being the first Bible printed in New York State. Brown, a Scottish Presbyterian minister, first published his Bible in Edinburgh in 1778, complete with study aids such as annotations and a concordance.
The first American edition was published in 1792 with the financial support of over a thousand subscribers, including President George Washington and Supreme Court Justice John Jay, both prominently listed in the "Subscriber's List." Its famous frontispiece depicts America wearing an Indian headdress and holding the constitution. The personification of liberty stands beside her, while another figure, probably the personification of peace, hands America a Bible. [Description from The Museum of the Bible, describing the copy held in their Washington D. C. collection].
Brown, John. The Self-Interpreting Bible: Containing the Sacred Text of the Old and New Testaments. Translated from the Original Tongues, and with the former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised. To which are Annexed, Marginal References and Illustrations, an Exact Summary of the Several Books, a Paraphrase of the Most Obscure or Important Parts, an Analysis of the Contents of Each Chapter, Explanatory Notes, and Evangelical Reflections. By the Late Reverend John Brown, Minister of the Gospel at Haddington. New-York. Printed by Hodge and Campbell and Sold at their Respective Book Stores. 1792. First Edition.
Wonderful to find this with all points in order. The binding is original and very attractive with a deeply tooled central medallion, and what appear to be the original and rarely-preserved hasp and clasp. The frontis full-page engraving described above is present - it was often excised to be sold separately. And the Subscriber's list, including George Washington as the first and most prominent subscriber, is present. Again, this is often lacking. Add to it that all of the called for plates are present, and this is a rare survivor. A far better copy than that held in The Bible Museum collection.
Measuring roughly 10 x 17 inches in size, original leather now consolidated as shown with evidence of heat and dampness at some point. A bit stiff and therefore delicate at hinges with some surface lifting. The blank ffep has an old, very attractive sepia ink inscription, "The First John Brown Bible American Edition 1792," which occupies the entire blank ffep. Title and frontis are stained at upper quarter of front quadrant with decreasing intensity for the first 10-12 leaves. Otherwise, generally solid with scattered moderate foxing, lighter or heavier at points, and some scattered stains. Some pencil "x" marks throughout the text. Some illustration plates not centered on sheet as usual.
