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University Library mounts Bible history exhibit
Milestones in the history of the Bible at U-M
Library
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A leaf from a papyrus codex
in Greek of the Letters of Saint Paul, dating from about A.D.
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From ancient manuscripts to early printed books,
the history of the Bible's text spans nations, peoples and languages.
This history is the showcase of “From Papyri to the
King James Bible," an exhibit prepared by the Special
Collections Library at the University of Michigan, running through
Jan. 31.
Bibles and other religious works dating to the
year 119, including the earliest known copy of the letters of St.
Paul, demonstrate the evolution of works on papyrus, parchment,
and paper that led to the English translation of 1611 known as the
King James Bible.
Fragments on papyri from Deuteronomy and Matthew,
portions from several of the letters of Paul, and writings of early
church leaders such as Melito, the Bishop of Sarids; and Hermas
of Rome are part of the exhibit. Also included are medieval versions
of Jerome's Latin translation of the Bible of 404, first appearances
in print of the Greek and Latin biblical texts, and early translations
into English.
Many of the Bibles on display are opened to the
same passage, providing an opportunity to compare translations and
to observe developments in languages, handwriting, and type designs.
The exhibit illustrates the development of the codex and presents
a brief study of 16th-century English political history through
the inclusion of the Tyndale, Coverdale, Geneva, Douay, Great and
Bishops' Bibles.
The
exhibit is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and 10 a.m.-noon
on Saturday on the seventh floor of the Harlan Hatcher Graduate
Library on U-M's Central Campus. During U-M’s holiday break,
the exhibit will be open 1-5 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23 and Jan. 2. The
exhibit and the Library will be closed Dec. 20, 21, 24 - 31 and
Jan. 1, 3 and 4. Guided group tours are available during the hours
the exhibit is open and during extended hours by arranging an appointment.
To do so, call (734) 764-9377. Admission is free.
Related Links:
U-M Libraries: From
Papyri to King James: The Transmission of the English Bible
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