The ‘King James’ – or as it is sometimes known ‘Authorised’ – version remains the most influential Bible in the English-speaking world. The University of Canterbury possesses one of only two Australasian copies of the first printing of this publishing landmark.
Originally produced in an atmosphere of tense religious debate in the early-17th century, Both Canterbury's copies, a 1611 and a 1613 are now an important part of the story of the foundation and development of the city of Christchurch. How the KJBs came to be on New Zealand's South Island remains at present something of a mystery, one that is the subject of continuing investigation. Today it stands as a testament to the ideals that inspired those, such as John Robert Godley, who planned the original settler community in the 19th century.
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