A first edition copy of the King James Bible is the highlight of PBA Galleries June 5 auction in San Francisco with an estimate of $100,000-150,000.
First published in 1611, the book is the first official translation of the bible from the ancient languages of Greek, Latin and Hebrew into English.
Other examples had existed in the past but had been predominantly associated with heretical sects.
The auction house commented: "The work of nearly fifty translators working in six groups, the King James Bible has been called "the only literary masterpiece ever to have been produced by a committee"; and indeed, the work is aptly called "the noblest monument of English prose."
 The King James bible is the first official English translation of the original texts |
While a handful of pages are missing, the majority of the book is in excellent condition and retains the majority of its original calf binding.
In 2012 a third folio edition of the King James Version made $15,000 - indicating the premium collectors place on first editions.
Portfolio One: The Seasons by Eliot Porter (1901-1990) is valued at $12,000-15,000.
The collection was first published in 1964 and features a series of 12 die transfer photographs of varied landscapes. Porter was among the first photographers to explore colour and would continue to champion the technique throughout his career.
We have an exciting range of rare books and manuscripts available.
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