Robert Aitken (publisher)

Robert Aitken (1734–1802) was a printer from the Philadelphia area who published the first English language Bible in the United States.[1][2] Aitken printed over 10,000 copies,[3] but today it is one of the world's rarest books. Some estimates that only 30-40 are still left in existence,[4] which makes it rarer than even the Gutenberg Bible.

## Aitken Bible[edit]

The Aitken Bible was authorized by Congress, reviewed by Congressional Chaplains, then in September of 1782 the Journals of Congress received this entry:

> Honorable James Duane, Esq. Chairman, and the other Honorable Gentlemen of the Committee of Congress on Mr. Aitken's Memorial.

>     Wherupon
>     RESOLVED,

> THAT the United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as an instance of the progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United STates, and hereby authorize him to publish this Recommendation in the manner he shall think proper.

>     CH A. Thomson, Secretary.

## See also[edit]

* Charles Thomson

## References[edit]

1. ↑ History of the American Bible Society ... With an introduction by N. L. Rice, etc
2. ↑ Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States: Developed in the Official and Historical Annals of the Republic, by Benjamin Franklin Morris
3. ↑ An American Bible: A History of the Good Book in the United States, 1777-1880
4. ↑ Haynes: Congress endorses Aitken Bible