325. Bible, English . The Holy Bible..., third distinct folio edition of the King James bible, 2 engraved title-pages within decorative borders, (one for the New Testament), text in double columns, autograph note by Francis Fry & 4pp. prospectus for Francis Fry's work dated 1865 tipped in at front, small wormtrack from A2 to B3 occasionally affecting sidenote, some dampstaining to the corners of a few pages (C3 - A2), final two leaves soiled and repaired with some loss to sidenotes and some letters supplied, Ddd1 with lower margin renewed, occasional small marginal repairs elsewhere, a little finger soiling at beginning, contemporary panelled calf gilt, expertly rebacked to style, later endpapers, a very good complete copy, [Herbert 353; D&M 273], folio, Rober Barker, 1617.
est. £7500 – £10000
"the only literary masterpiece ever to have been produced by a committee. "
Francis Fry (1803-1886) businessman & scholar, was a student of "the bibliography of English versions of the printed bible". Renowned for reproducing rare editions in facsimile, he describes this copy in his autograph note: "1617 Authorised Version This is Perfect & all genuine I have examinded it all through & certify every leaf to be the true edition for these are often mixed with parts of other editions found & clean & few margins near the end &c a little repaired The two title[s] are very fine, Francis Fry."