A "Sombre" Binding

The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Newly Translated out of the originall Greeke, and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties speciall commandement. London: Robert Barker, 1612. (00044)

This quarto New Testament of 1612 preserves a “sombre” binding. The term refers to bindings that dispense with the ostentatious use of gold, usually as an expression of mourning. The black dyed goatskin was stamped with images of tulips, poppies, and a dove that appears in each of the triangular “cottage-roof” compartments above and below. The imported Dutch silver plaquettes, applied to the center, corners, and opening edges, are engraved with images of the apostles, evangelists, and various scenes from the life of Christ. The initials “P.C.” were added in silver to both the upper and lower covers. Unfortunately, there is no further internal evidence that identifies this owner.

_{The Thomas J. Harrison Bible Collection.}