Early Serampore Bible in Bengalee (Bengali) translated by William Carey - 1832 - Inscribed by Serampore Missionary John Leechman

The Holy Bible, Translated from the Original Tongues into the Bengalee Language by Serampore Missionaries

Dharmmapustaka : ādi ye ye bhāshāẏa likhita chila tāhāhaite Baṅgalā bhāshāẏa karā gela

Complete: 504pp (Genesis to Esther), 623 (Job to Revelation).

19th Century leather binding with more recent spine. Very good condition overall.

With Title page inscription: "Leechman 1832 Novr. 24^th, Serampore"

The first Bengali Bible had been translated by William Carey in Serampore in 1793. The 1832 edition of the Bible was "Carey's latest revision, which occupied him twelve years" Darlow and Moule. 

Serampore was an important centre for early Protestant Missionaries in India, having been founded by Danish missionaries. It would be transferred from Danish to British rule in 1845.

This copy was owned by John Leechman (1803-1874) a Missionary and teacher who worked in India from 1832-1837. Leechman was born in Glasgow before studying at the Bristol Baptist Academy under William Ward - one of the famous Serampore trio. He arrived in Serampore in 1832. In Serampore, he taught logic and philosophy, and became co-pastor in Serampore with John Mack and Joshua Marshman, after the Death of William Carey. He returned to Scotland in 1837 due to his wife's ill health.

The ownership description on this Bible suggesting he obtained this copy soon after his arrival in Serampore in 1832.

Uncommon: OCLC states 10 copies only in institutions