5RR, Holy Bible, Printed by Isaiah Thomas in Boston, 1791. First folio Bible printed in America

Notes

Isaiah Thomas (1749–1831) was an influential American printer, publisher, and bookseller, best known for his significant role in the early history of American printing. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and became a prominent figure during the American Revolutionary War and in the early years of the United States. Thomas began his printing career as an apprentice in 1763 and later founded his own printing business. He played an essential role in the publication of newspapers and books during a pivotal time in American history.

Thomas is most famous for his connection to the printing of the Bible. In 1791, he published the first complete Bible printed in America, which was a landmark achievement in American religious and publishing history. His Bible was printed in Worcester, Massachusetts, and became known as the "Thomas Bible" featuring engravings that enhanced the biblical text and made it more accessible and visually engaging to readers of the time. The publication reflects the burgeoning American spirit of independence and cultural development, showcasing the ability of the new nation to produce works of significant religious and artistic value. At the time, the Bible was considered a crucial text for both personal and communal purposes, and his contribution to making it more widely available helped further establish the importance of the printed word in America.

Beyond his work with the Bible, Thomas's legacy is tied to his contributions to American printing, particularly his involvement in preserving early American publications. In 1812, he founded the American Antiquarian Society, which became a vital institution for the preservation of historical documents and books related to early American history. His commitment to preserving American history was significant, as it provided future generations with a rich collection of early American texts and printed materials, including newspapers, books, and pamphlets.

Description

Original brown leather binding with six raised bands and a red leather label in the second compartment with gilt lettering. Wearing to the joints, bumped corners, rubbing to the extremities, and significant scuffing, fading, and some staining to the upper and lower boards. Wear to the edges including small tears along them. Some foxing throughout. No illustrations. Upper board of volume two is detaching at top and bottom but still intact with binding. Tear through several verses in the lower right corner of page 156, 158, and 350 in volume 1. Good condition overall.