Aitkens bible, sometimes referred to as the bible of the revolution, is one of the rarest books in the world, with few copies still in existence today. The aitken bible was printed with the approval of congress. Robert aitken s bible was the first known englishlanguage bible to be printed in america, and also the only bible to receive congressional approval. Aitken s bible, sometimes referred to as the bible of the revolution, is one of the rarest books in the world, with few copies still in existence today. Aitken, grandson of late lt col eyres at cain menellis, cornwall. They used a 1782 version of the bible called the aitken bible, which is an important part of u. Robert aitken and anna elizabeth eyres were not married on isle of man two of their children appear in the igi. Aitken bible 1782 republican party of milwaukee county. Robert aitkens bible was the first known englishlanguage bible to be printed in america, and also the only bible to receive congressional approval. The holy bible as printed by robert aitken and approved and. See minutes of the presbyterian church, usa, 17061788 praising aitkens work p.
The holy bible as printed by robert aitken and approved. Robert aitken, an immigrant from scotland, published a new testament, then asked congress permission to publish the entire bible. The only bible printing ever called for by an act of the united states congress. The aitken bible, published by robert aitken 17351802, was the first bible printed in english in north america. The 1782 small duodecimo aitken bible kjv was a wholly american production. Aitken published congresss recommendation of september 1782 and related documents item 115 as an imprimatur on the two pages following his title page. The bible was printed with the congressional resolution that stated that they did highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of. New facsimile reproduction of robert aitken s 1782 printing of the king james version of the bible size. Printed in 1782 by robert aitken, philadelphia, pennsylvania. On october 2, 2006, revisionist historian david barton launched wallbuilders live. July 15 congress approves printing bible the bible of.
During the years when the united states was a colony of great britain, colonial printers werent permitted to print bibles. In 1782, aitken completed the first american edition of the k. Aitkens impressive credentials which included publishing the journals of congress and publishing numerous articles by thomas paine convinced the committee, and on september 10, 1782, aitken was give permission and financial support to print the first. The holy bible, aitken by 1782 robert aitken bible facsimile reproduction no commemorative or historical pages. Rare book and special collections division, library of. The aitken bible of 1782 facsimile lastinglegacybooks. Aitkens bible was authorized by the continental congress in september 1782, the only bible ever to receive congressional approval. We deliver the joy of reading in 100% recycled packaging with free standard shipping on u. Congress passed a resolution endorsing aitkens bible. You can leave condolences in the guest book, buy sympathy flowers, and pay your respects. Both episcopal bishop william white and reverend george duffield, pastor of philadelphias third presbyterian church a predecessor of todays old pine presbyterian church, examined the bible and reported back to congress their favorable response. Aitken broke the crowns monopoly by printing his new testament in 1777. When aitkens bible appeared in philadelphia in 1782, the revolutionary war was still ongoing so that technically, from the perspective of british law, aitkens edition of the bible was illegal. Lawmakers read from historic 1782 aitken bible cbn news.
National bible association hosts special reading of aitken. Gw robert aitken 17341802, a philadelphia printer, was born in scotland. Early american bibles presbyterian historical society. We personally assess every books quality and offer rare, outofprint treasures. Charles thomson held his position in congress when janes father, robert aitken, successfully petitioned congress to approve and recommend his own printing of the bible, in 1782. One of the items in bartons bag of historical tricks is a rare bible printed in 1782 by philadelphia printer robert aitken. Brought to philadelphia from scotland at the age of seven, she worked as a bookbinder for her father. To george washington from robert aitken, 9 june 1790. We are a humble momandpop bible preservation ministry. In early september, 1782, robert aitken sent a message to congress informing them he had nearly completed his bible, accomplished in the midst of the confusion and distresses of war. Known as the aitken bible, this was the first and only edition of the bible ever authorized by congress. Published in 1781 by robert aitken, the aitken bible was the first complete english bible printed in america. Consequently the newly formed congress of the united states instructed the committee of commerce to import 20,000 bibles from scotland, holland, or elsewhere.
This original page from a king james bible is from a copy printed in philadelphia in 1782, robert aitkens only edition of the first english bible printed in america. Add tags for the holy bible as printed by robert aitken. As early as 1777 in the war for independence, congress considered funding the importation of bibles from holland or scotland. Robert aitken 17341802 was a philadelphia printer and the first to publish an. The holy bible, as printed by robert aitken and approved. The centennial library page from an aitken bible is from a copy printed in philadelphia in 1782, robert aitken s first and only edition of the first english bible printed in america. The holy bible, containing the old and new testaments.
This, the aitken bible, is the first complete english bible printed in america and bearing an american imprint. Our unique family collection documents how the wordofgod gets to us. Called the bible of the revolution, robert aitkens little bible was small enough to fit into the coat pocket of the revolutionary war soldiers. Thus, in 1782, robert aitken produced the first english language bible printed in america. In 1781, near the end of the american revolution, he petitioned congress to support his plans to print a bible in english. The first english language bible kjv printed in america. In 1782, robert aitken produced the first english language bible printed in america. On january 21, 1781, philadelphia printer robert aitken 17341802 petitioned congress to officially sanction a publication of the old and new testament that he was preparing at his own expense. Robert aitken books list of books by author robert aitken.
To the honourable the congress of the united states of america the memorial of robert aitken. Barton revises history to promote the national council. Beck, congress did not print a bible for the use of. In 1781 aitken undertook to print the first complete english bible produced in america and sought the official sanction of congress for his edition. Thriftbooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. Nov 16, 2015 robert aitken was a printer who decided in 1781 to produce a version of the bible and offer it for sale. Presbyterian printer robert aitken and the first all american. We need to reprint this great piece of our history and give it to the public again, with the appropriate page below. On january 21, 1781, robert aitken petitioned congress for permission to print a complete bible for the american people. Opinion robert aitkens patriotic 1782 bible the new.
The page measures about 6 inches by 4 inches, making the bible small enough to fit into the pocket of a. Aitken is worth remembering on the 225th anniversary of his all american bible, 1782. This original page from a king james bible is from a copy printed in philadelphia in 1782, robert aitken s only edition of the first english bible printed in america. Rare bibles for sale, but chance to see is free at palazzo. We believe that the bible is the centerpiece of christian education. Arno press, 1968, introduction to this aitken bible reprint. He petitioned congress in 1781 to approve a complete bible that he was preparing. The third guest to appear on the program was elizabeth ridenour, president of the national council on bible curriculum in public schools, an organization whose. The centennial library page from an aitken bible is from a copy printed in philadelphia in 1782, robert aitkens first and only edition of the first english bible printed in america. He would go on to publish the aitken bible in 1782, known by many today as the bible of the revolution. The first english language bible printed in america.
Originally printed by robert aitken in philadelphia condition. A leaf from the first bible printed in the english language in america. Feb 24, 2020 charles thomson held his position in congress when janes father, robert aitken, successfully petitioned congress to approve and recommend his own printing of the bible, in 1782. May 20, 2011 the holy bible, aitken by 1782 robert aitken bible facsimile reproduction no commemorative or historical pages. This bible has been a mainstay of bartons presentations for years, and was, as expected, one of the featured pieces of christian nation evidence whipped out on becks show. Aitkens bible, sometimes referred to as the bible of the revolution, is one of the rarest books in. This was the first english bible printed in america, and the first and only bible ever to be authorized and recommended by congress. This was the first and only bible ever to receive the formal blessing of congress. Called the bible of the revolution, robert aitken s little bible was small enough to fit into the coat pocket of the revolutionary war soldiers. History of the bible timeline from creation to today.
The holy bible as printed by robert aitken and approved and recommended by the congress of the united states of america in 1782 robert aitken on. The outbreak of war subsequently created a shortage. He emigrated to philadelphia in 1769, where he published the pennsylvania magazine, or american monthly museum in 177576. Nov 18, 2016 on september 10, 1782, aitken received authorization to commence his american printing of the bible in english.
The page measures about 6 inches by 4 inches, making the bible small enough to fit into the pocket of a continental army soldier. Jan 06, 2008 aitken is worth remembering on the 225th anniversary of his all american bible, 1782. Robert aitken 17341802 was a philadelphia printer and the first to publish an english language bible in the newly formed united states. Aitken was born in scotland and immigrated to philadelphia in 1769, where he worked as a bookseller and publisher. The robert aitken bible is known as the bible of the american revolution and it remains the most rare and valuable of early american english bibles. Wonders of the bible collects and exhibits these pieces. Robert aitken 17341802 was a philadelphia printer and the first to publish an english language bible in the newly. The first bible printed in the english language in america. New facsimile reproduction of robert aitkens 1782 printing of the king james version of the bible size. Congress passed a resolution officially authorizing the edition in september 1782. Aitkens bible, published under congressional patronage, was the first english language. In 1783, george washington wrote a letter commending robert aitken for his bible. Jane aitken 17641832 was the daughter of robert aitken, a noted philadelphia printer who in 1782 published the first american edition of the bible in english.
The aitken bible is the first entire bible printed in america. It was known as the bible of the american revolution. The facsimile of the robert aitken kjv bible of 1782. Presbyterian printer robert aitken and the first all. In 1833 joseph smith received his inspired version from god. Charles simpson aitken, baptised 16 april 1826 kirk braddan also appears under kirk marown death reported in warrington guardian 17 jul 1858 as rev c. It did and in september 1782 issued this statement. This is one of many rare bible page jpeg images that can be found on this page. Rare book and special collections division, library of congress call number. After presenting more than eighty pieces of evidence of americas christian origin, supreme court justice, david brewerwriting the majority decision for a unanimous courtarrived at this same conclusion in 1892.
376 9 925 912 592 274 1037 1035 167 544 993 849 1291 973 394 1247 1340 731 249 431 82 482 797 973 412 476 1196 241 928 431 1469 1104 631 13 475 676 645 417 755