ANN ARBOR—Distinguished documents marking significant milestones in the history of the biblical text are on display at the University of Michigan’s Harlan Hatcher Library. “From Papyri to King James: The Evolution of the English Bible” includes documents spread across nations, peoples, and languages that trace the development of the Bible from ancient manuscripts to the modern printed book.

“From Papyri to King James” will continue through Jan. 29 in the Special Collections Library located on the seventh floor of the Hatcher Library on U-M’s Central Campus. The exhibit will be available for viewing Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Admission is free. Viewing hours will be curtailed between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3. Anyone desiring to visit between these dates is advised to call (734) 764-9377 for exhibit hours. Guided tours are available for groups by appointment only. Arrangements can be made by calling the above number.

“From Papyri to King James: The Evolution of the English Bible” examines the origins of the King James Bible, showing both its direct ancestors and other, related religious works from about CE 119 to CE 1611. The exhibit includes documents written on papyrus, parchment, and paper.

Fragments from Deuteronomy and Matthew, portions from several of the letters of Paul, and writings of early church leaders such as Melito, Bishop of Sardis, and Hermas, of Rome, are displayed. Also included are medieval versions of Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible of CE 404, first appearances of the Greek and Latin Biblical texts in print, and the early translations into English.

Many of the Bibles are opened to the same passage providing an opportunity to compare translations and to note developments in languages, handwriting, and type designs. The exhibit also illustrates the development of the codex and presents a brief study of 16th century English political history through the Tyndale, Coverdale, Geneva, Douay, Great, and Bishops’ Bibles.

U-M News and Information Services

University of Michigan

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