Name: Coverdale Bible

Date: 1535

Language: English

Original’s Description:

The Coverdale Bible, published in 1535, is a landmark in religious and literary history as the first complete English translation of the Bible to be printed. Translated and compiled by Miles Coverdale, it includes the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha, setting it apart from earlier partial translations like William Tyndale's. Coverdale’s work was not a direct translation from original texts but relied on existing translations, including Tyndale’s, the Latin Vulgate, and Martin Luther’s German Bible. His goal was to create a clear, accessible text for the English-speaking reader, often prioritizing interpretive phrasing over strict literal accuracy. This approach, combined with its decorative layout and woodcut illustrations, made the Coverdale Bible visually and spiritually engaging for its audience.

Unlike the controversial and banned Tyndale Bible, the Coverdale Bible received tacit approval from King Henry VIII, allowing it to circulate more freely in England. Printed abroad in Antwerp due to restrictions on printing English Bibles domestically, it emerged during a time of religious reform and tension. Dedicated to King Henry VIII, the Bible strategically avoided political and theological controversy while introducing features like explanatory marginal notes to aid comprehension. The Coverdale Bible not only influenced later translations, including the Great Bible and the King James Version, but also marked a pivotal moment in making Scripture accessible to English-speaking Christians, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Reformation-era religious history.

Reproduction Details: Our hardcover books are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality. The front and back covers, along with the spine, are made from real wood, giving each book a sturdy and authentic feel. We use 4-ounce cowhide leather, sourced from a small supplier in North Carolina, to encase the covers. The leather is carefully adhered with glue and skillfully molded into shape by our local artisans.

The pages, or signatures, are hand-sewn using a traditional library binding method, ensuring durability and a timeless aesthetic. The sewn book block is secured with a strong adhesive glue, designed to reinforce the bindings, especially for larger volumes. To add even more strength, we layer a thick mull cloth over the binding, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly. This traditional technique ensures the binding is stiff, strong, and resilient, capable of enduring for generations to come.

NOTE: ALL OF OUR FACSIMILES ARE MADE TO ORDER. PLEASE ALLOW 4-6 WEEKS FOR NOTIFICATION OF SHIPMENT.