Description
Aitken Bible Leaf, 1782/81. JAMES 2:18b-5:17. The New Testament / Holy Bible, printed in Philadelphia by R. Aitken, 1781 or 1782/1781. FIRST EDITION. 12mo., 6.0″ x 3.5″. References: Herbert 1283; O’Callahan 1781 and 1782. EXCELLENT condition; clean w. light blotches (see pics). This leaf could theoretically originate either in a 1781 NT or a 1782 whole Bible — the NT leaves being identical in both. In the 1782 Bible, the OT title is dated 1782 and the NT is dated 1781. But given the provenance of this leaf (see the accompanying leather volume, “The Bible of the Revolution”), this leaf, being unbound, is likely to immediately come from a whole Bible though undoubtedly from the same printed stock as the 1781 NT. This is the FIRST English language whole Bible to be printed in America. The only Bible ever Authorized by Congress, it is thus called “The Bible of the American Revolution.” Of the 5000 copies printed, a scant 40 copies remain. Regarding the pricing of this leaf: NT leaves are 3-times rarer than OT leaves! This one, from James (the brother of Jesus who guided the Jerusalem Church until his martyrdom in 62 AD) or his “circle,” represents the faith of the first Jerusalem Apostles. It is Jerusalem’s answer to Paul’s “faith only” gospel; see James 2:18b-26. Leaf and leather booklet. Extremely Rare.
Leaf (reversible, in an archival sleeve), COA w. signature / seal, and “The English Bible in America” precis are set in a museum-quality Trifold Portfolio of black linen cloth and burgundy silk moire.
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