The title page to the 1611 first edition of the authorized
version of the Bible.

The King James Bible, the most famous version of the world’s
most influential book, was published on this day in history,
May 2, 1611.         

"The King James, or Authorized, Version of the Bible remains
the most widely published text in the English language,"
according to the British Library. 

Commissioned by King James I of England in 1604, it is famed
for its artfully written versions of Old and New Testament tales;
its success bringing the Word of God to English-speaking
commoners; and its influence on the American colonies. 

The 80 books of the King James Version include 39 books of
the Old Testament, 14 books of Apocrypha, and the 27 books
of the New Testament.

Portrait of King James I of England (1566-1625). Found in the collection of National Museum Stockholm.