Manifold Greatness

The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible

Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible, a national traveling exhibition for libraries, tells the story of the origins, creation, and impact of one of the most influential books in history. The exhibition opens at the JD Williams Library on May 29, 2012.

The year 2011 marked the 400th anniversary of the first printing of the King James Bible in 1611. The exhibition not only highlights the dramatic tale behind the making of this great book, but also includes the influence on English and American literature, and its multifaceted impacted on culture and society to the present day. This chronological narrative focuses on the human side of the major cultural landmark and explores the book’s social, cultural, literary, and religious influence over four centuries.

Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible was organized by the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington D.C., and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. It is based on an exhibition of the same name by the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, with assistance from the Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas. The traveling exhibition was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The J.D. Williams Library and the Lafayette Public Library are offering free programs and other events for the public in connection with the exhibitions.

Can't make it to an event? Check out the ongoing Manifold Greatness audio/video series for a sampling of some of this exhbit's most exciting events.

May also be of interest: The Manifold Greatness channel on Youtube.