Aitken Bible
A.D. 1782
Facsimile
The first Bible to be printed in English in America was issued to fill a need created by the Revolutionary War, and is often referred to as “The Bible of the Revolution.” Since no Bibles were being imported from England, Robert Aitkens petitioned Congress in 1781 for endorsement and financial aid to issue this Bible.
On September 10, 1782, a resolution was passed - "The United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitkens . . . they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States..." George Washington wrote a friend, "It would have pleased me well, if Congress had been pleased to make such an important present (a copy of this Bible) to the brave fellows, who have done so much for the security of their Country's rights and establishment."
The Aitken Bible is the only Bible in the history of the United States of America to have been given official Congressional approval for publication.
The text of this Bible was that of the Authorized King James Version. Of the 10,000 original copies, only 50 complete copies of this Bible are known to exist.
On September 10, 1782, a resolution was passed - "The United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitkens . . . they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States..." George Washington wrote a friend, "It would have pleased me well, if Congress had been pleased to make such an important present (a copy of this Bible) to the brave fellows, who have done so much for the security of their Country's rights and establishment."
The Aitken Bible is the only Bible in the history of the United States of America to have been given official Congressional approval for publication.
The text of this Bible was that of the Authorized King James Version. Of the 10,000 original copies, only 50 complete copies of this Bible are known to exist.
