(New) Series 1 Episode 5 Part Two. Geneva — The Bible of a Generation.

Regular episode • Season 1 • Episode 5 • (New) Series 1 Episode 5 Part Two. Geneva — The Bible of a Generation.

The artwork is: A copy of the Bassandyne Bible, the first full Bible printed in the country.

In 1579, Scotland reached an important milestone with the publication of the Bassandyne Bible, the first complete Bible printed in the country. Begun in Edinburgh by Thomas Bassandyne and completed by Alexander Arbuthnot after Bassandyne’s death, it was a large folio reprint of the 1561 Geneva Bible. Every parish kirk was required to obtain a copy, helping to establish the Geneva translation at the heart of Scottish religious life.

While the preface and dedication, - "To the heich and michtie Prince James the Sext King of Scottis", - is in Scots, the main text is in English.

Since the Bible was the most popular book in Scotland – and often the only book found in poorer households – the English text had a very damaging impact on the Scots language. Literacy was largely driven by a desire to read the Bible, so schooling, gradually became associated with English rather than Scots. Its widespread use therefore contributed to the growing importance of English in Scottish worship, education and culture. Ironically, the king named in its dedication would later condemn some of its marginal notes at Hampton Court.

A rare surviving copy is now held by Edinburgh Central Library.

The Music is: Psalm 18:28-35. The Lord will light my candle so, that it shall shine full bright.

Sung by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Launceston Tasmania. Presented by the The Westminster Covenanter. Further details, including lyrics are included in the epilogue.

The music plays for the first 30 seconds.

Notes:

Part Two explores the features that made the Geneva Bible both popular and controversial. It examines the thousands of notes printed in its margins, including their explanations of Scripture and the small number that challenged religious and political authority.

It also follows the Bible’s spread through England and Scotland, revealing who actually read it and why it cannot simply be described as the Puritan Bible. Along the way, we encounter bishops, Shakespeare and the famous Breeches Bible, before discovering why its marginal notes would eventually trouble King James.