Aitken Bible

Creator

Files

Document Type

Facsimile reproduction

Keywords

Bible, Aitken Bible

Brief Description

This is a facsimile reproduction of the first English Bible printed in America.

Context

The first complete English Bible printed in America was published in 1782 by Robert Aitken. Up until the American Revolution, all Bibles in English had been imported to the Colonies from England. But during the Revolution, Bibles were not available because of the embargo on English imported goods. The printing of the New Testament started with preliminary copies in 1777 and the final copies printed in 1781. The addition of the Old Testament followed in 1782. Aitken's printing of the King James Version came to be called the "Bible of the Revolution" because it was small enough (the pages measure about 6 inches by 4 inches) to fit into the coat pocket of the soldiers of the Continental Army. This Bible was the only one ever authorized by the United States Congress, part of whose resolution said: "they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him [Mr. Aitken] to publish this recommendation in the manner he shall think proper."

Language

English

Publisher of the Original

Robert Aitken

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Publication Date of the Original

1782

Publisher of the Reproduction

Pilgrim Walk

City

Litchfield Park, AZ

Date

2010