Bibles and other religious works dating to the year 119, including the earliest known copy of the letters of St. Paul, demonstrate the evolution of works on papyrus, parchment, and paper that led to the English translation of 1611 known as the King James Bible. Also included are medieval versions of Jerome's Latin translation of the Bible of 404, first appearances in print of the Greek and Latin biblical texts, and early translations into English. Many of the Bibles on display are opened to the same passage, providing an opportunity to compare translations and to observe developments in languages, handwriting, and type designs. The exhibit illustrates the development of the codex and presents a brief study of 16th-century English political history through the inclusion of the Tyndale, Coverdale, Geneva, Douay, Great and Bishops' Bibles. Guided group tours are available by arranging an appointment.
Admission is free.