Breeches Bible
The Bible: That is the Holy Scriptures Conteined in the Old and New Testament. Cambridge: University Press, 1992. 8vo, full calf in a period style, a.e.g. in publisher's box, printed on acid-free paper, with explanatory pamphlet. "Reissue" of the 1591 edition of John Legate.
John Legate's printing of the first Bible in Cambridge was not merely an act of production, but instead a direct challenge to the supremacy of London's printers, specifically the Queen's. By charter, the Queen's Printers had the exclusive right to the highly lucrative Bible trade. However, by charter of Henry VIII (confirmed by Elizabeth) the university had the right to print 'omnimodos libros', or all manner of books. Not unsurprisingly, a legal challenge followed, which the University Press defended to Lord Burghley (Chancellor of the University at the time) both by reference to their charter and by challenging the benefits of the monopoly. An agreement was reached and the Bible released for sale, however Cambridge would not produce another edition until 1629. The 1591 Bible is now rare, with two of the three known institution copies being imperfect. This limited facsimile was produced from the Bible Society and British Library copies, and omits Apocrypha. It was produced to mark the 400th anniversary of Cambridge's Biblical production and celebrate the long and noble history of the Press.