Menu

Wananga landing Wananga landing
News

University alumni & donors help save Aotearoa’s ‘Wicked Bible’

06 July 2022

#Philanthropy@UC A unique English publishing artefact which dates back almost 400 years and contains a blunder of biblical proportions has come to light in Aotearoa, and its conservation and digitisation is under way, with support from the UC Foundation, alumni and generous supporters.

HOW TO APPLY

In 1631, Robert Barker, printer to the English King Charles I, made one of the most serious typos in publishing history. So much so, one contemporary labelled it “a ſcandalous miſtake in our Engliſh Bibles.” Barker’s error was indeed grave: his 1631 printing had rendered one of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt commit adultery”.

The University of Canterbury has recently revealed a previously unknown copy of this remarkable book, discovered in Christchurch. University of Canterbury Associate Professor and medieval historian Dr Chris Jones is aware of its historical context and amazed at its remarkable survival.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 - Quality Education Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 - Quality Education

“Why the King’s Printer omitted the all-important ‘not’ remains a matter of debate. Was it a joke? Was it sabotage by a rival? What is certain is that Barker was threatened with an astronomical fine, and very few copies of his so-called ‘Wicked Bible’ survived,” says Associate Professor Jones.

“Until now it was thought that the handful that did were all to be found in the libraries of the British Isles and North America. So, it was a thrilling discovery to find one in Christchurch and to be able to preserve it for future generations to ponder.”

UC alumna Sarah Askey is a Book and Paper Conservator based in Wellington. She initially studied Art History and Classics at the University of Canterbury and, after completing her Honours in 2015, moved to the United Kingdom to pursue conservation. Askey carried out the painstaking stabilisation and conservation work to preserve the book. Former UC staff member, Dr Stephen Hardman, now Southern Regional Manager for New Zealand Micrographic Services, managed the digitisation process and the challenges associated with producing a digital facsimile of a delicate 17th-century volume.

This project was completed with generous support from the Phil & Louise Donnithorne Trust and UC Alumni.


More information
 
Visit our media enquiries page to contact UC Media.
What to read next
Privacy Preferences

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.