SOURCE: Fry, Francis. The Bible by Coverdale: MDXXXV, pp. 1-38. London: Willis & Sotheran, 1867.

In the following excerpt, Fry examines Coverdale's 1535 translation of the Bible, using textual details in an attempt to resolve questions regarding the publication and revision history of the edition.

The bible first printed in the English language is known as the Version by Myles Coverdale, because the “Epistle unto the Kynges hyghnesse.” bears his name at the conclusion of it, thus,—“youre graces humble subiecte and daylye oratour, Myles Couerdale.” … The laborious work of translating and printing the Bible was completed in the reign of Henry the Eighth.

There are many circumstances relating to the production of this interesting book of which we should like to have been informed: but after much research the information that has reached us is exceedingly scanty.

We know when the Volume was printed. It concludes with the Imprint, which...