Howell Bibles

This collection consists of approximately 300 rare books, primarily Bibles, dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries. These books were collected by John Howell (1874–1956), a San Francisco rare book dealer and founder of John Howell Books, formerly located at 434 Post Street (closed in 1984). A native Californian who was educated at the University of California, Mr. Howell began a career in journalism but soon turned to the book business and especially to buying and selling rare books here and abroad. He spent a lifetime perfecting his Bible collection, displaying it at international expositions in the Bay Area and frequently lecturing on the history of the Bible. In the mid-1950s, the collection came to the Pacific School of Religion through a joint gift-purchase arrangement, adding a rich treasure to the seminary's resources for Bible study.

The printed book, the art of typography and the translation of the Bible were Howell's primary interests as he assembled his collection. The invention of printing with movable type (about 1455) marked the beginning of a wider dissemination of knowledge than had been possible when writing by hand was the only means of book production. In this period of intellectual ferment and increasing desire for exchange of information, the following technologies were combined to create the printing process: a high quality rag-content paper, a linseed-oil based ink, the screw press, and the ability to cast in metal individual letters that could be used over and over again in unlimited combinations.

The first book to be printed was the Vulgate, the Latin Bible. Subsequent translations were made into German, English, French, Dutch and Spanish as the need to read the Scriptures in the spoken language grew. Much of the history of the Reformation period can be traced through actual volumes in the Howell Bible Collection, such as the translations by Zwingli, Luther, Tyndale and Coverdale. First editions of many versions are found here, including the Great Bible, Geneva Bible, and Bishops' Bible, as well as the 1611 King James Bible.

Of special interest to bibliophiles are incunabula, books printed before the end of the year 1500, while printing was still in its infancy. There are four incunabula among the Howell Bibles. Also a part of the special collections at Pacific School of Religion are facsimiles of early Greek biblical manuscripts and a 3rd century fragment of the Gospel of John.

**Please note: The Howell Bibles are not on display in the museum gallery, but instead reside in our archives in order to ensure their preservation**