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An attractive transitional leaf from one of the foundational English Protestant Bibles. The recto opens with the bold title to the Second Book of Samuel, described in Tudor English as \"the seconde boke of the Kynges,\" and immediately begins the moving account of David\'s lament over Saul and Jonathan after the battle of Mount Gilboa.
The reverse continues into the opening of 2 Kings (styled \"ii. Kynges\"), recounting David\'s anointing as king over Judah at Hebron, the division of the kingdom following Saul\'s death, and the struggle between the houses of David and Saul. These are among the pivotal historical narratives of the Old Testament and mark the beginning of David\'s reign.
Printed in rich black letter with handsome decorative initials, this leaf beautifully reflects the craftsmanship of John Day\'s press during the English Reformation.
Condition
Authentic 16th-century leaf on laid paper.
This example has noticeable edge losses, particularly at the upper and outer margins, together with old tears, age toning, and handling wear accumulated over nearly five centuries. The principal titles, decorative initials, and nearly all of the biblical text remain clear and highly displayable. A solid collectible example from one of the rarest Tudor English Bibles.
Not a facsimile, reproduction, or modern reprint.
Details
- Original leaf from the rare 1549 Matthew\'s Bible (STC 2077), edited by Edmund Becke and printed in London by John Day and William Seres.
- Date: 1549
- Contents: Title and opening of 2 Samuel; opening of 2 Kings
- Features: David\'s lament for Saul and Jonathan; David crowned at Hebron
- Printing: Black-letter with large decorative woodcut initials
- Paper: Contemporary laid paper
An appealing Matthew Bible leaf combining two important biblical books and two major episodes in the life of King David, preserved from one of the great monuments of English printing.
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