Bible in English [King James Version, A Pearl Bible]

24mo (4 1/2 x 32 in.; 108 X 51 mm).  Engraved title-page (in facsimile), New Testament letterpress title within double-ruled border, continuous register, roman type, text in double columns, 62 lines to the full column; engraved title supplied in facsimile, lacks final blank Ddd12; inner margin of first leaf of Genesis repaired affecting text, margins torn away with some text loss (Gg1, Oo6, Tt1), one rust hole costing 2 words, headlines cropped or shaved, a few catchwords cropped, occasional staining. Eighteenth-century straight-grain crimson morocco paneled gilt, spine in 6 compartments with raised bands, marbled endpapers, edges gilt; spine rubbed, headbands broken.  

Wing B2238; ESTC R170533; Herbert 635

24mo (4 1/2 x 32 in.; 108 X 51 mm). Engraved title-page (in facsimile), New Testament letterpress title within double-ruled border, continuous register, roman type, text in double columns, 62 lines to the full column; engraved title supplied in facsimile, lacks final blank Ddd12; inner margin of first leaf of Genesis repaired affecting text, margins torn away with some text loss (Gg1, Oo6, Tt1), one rust hole costing 2 words, headlines cropped or shaved, a few catchwords cropped, occasional staining. Eighteenth-century straight-grain crimson morocco paneled gilt, spine in 6 compartments with raised bands, marbled endpapers, edges gilt; spine rubbed, headbands broken.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This Pearl Bible, called such because of its diminutive, pocket size, was so riddled with textual errors that it was singled out for special condemnation by William Kilburne in a pamphlet published in 1660. The most egregious of the faults found were: "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of righteousness unto sin" for "unrighteousness" (Rom. 6:13) and "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit the King of God?" for "shall not inherit" (1 Cor. 6:9). Kilburne railed: "This is the foundation of a damnable Doctrine ... that many Libertines and licentious people did produce ... this corrupt Bible."