The landmark first edition of the New Testament in the Hawaiian language, printed at the Mission Press in Oahu, 1835.

The landmark first edition of the New Testament in the Hawaiian language, printed at the Mission Press in Oahu, 1835.

“Ke Kauoha Hou a ko kakou Haku e Ola'I, a Iesu Kristo: oia ka olelo hemolele no ke ola, a na lunaoleloi i kakau ai"

[The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ: this is the sacred word of life, written by the apostles]

Published by ”Na na Misionari I Pai, Oahu,”  [Mission Press, Oahu]

-1835

 Small 12mo - pp340, [180]

Complete : 44 signatures in 6 (1 to 42 and A,E)

Bound in original reverse half calf (rebacked) with indigenous style decoration to borders and gilt title to spine.

Very good condition: Browning to a few leaves (sometimes significant). Bumps to corners of binding and some wear to binding, mainly at edges of boards.

This translation of the New Testament is the first complete edition of the New Testament in the Hawaiian language. Portions of Scripture had been published from the late 1820s, with translation undertaken by Hiram Bingham and other missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM). The translators worked with local Hawaiian ali’i (chiefs) and other Hawaiian speakers.

The book was printed on Oahu by the Missionaries at their Mission press. The first printing press in Hawaii had been established in 1822.

Provenance: "Society of Inquiry. Library."

£7,500