World Vernacular Language Bibles
Complementing Mr. Harrison’s strong interest in Native American language Bibles of North America, Bridwell Library continues to acquire biblical texts in indigenous languages published by missionary presses in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Printed throughout the world in a variety of languages and letterforms, these translations were issued for local use as an integral element of evangelistic efforts by various denominations. Reminders of the numerous difficulties of communicating across cultural, theological, and linguistic boundaries, these works testify to the series of collaborations between translators, native speakers, and printers whose combined efforts created the sacred works here on display. Enhancing the various strengths of the Harrison Collection, these editions support the collector’s intention of documenting through original printings the dissemination of the Bible both chronologically and geographically.