The New Student's Reference Work/Coverdale, Miles

Cov′erdale, Miles, editor of English versions of the Bible, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1488. He studied at Cambridge, became a priest, and soon left the country. His edition of Tindale's and other men's translations of the Bible came out in 1535. The Psalms of this translation are still used in the Book of Common Prayer, and many of the most beautiful phrases in the famous King James' version are due to Coverdale. It was printed in German black-letter, in double columns, with wood-cuts. In 1538 Cromwell sent him to Paris to take charge of another translation, but the work was stopped and many of the sheets burned. However, the presses and type were smuggled into England, and the translation was brought out; it is known as the Great Bible. Coverdale was also editor of Cranmer's Bible, He was made bishop of Exeter, but was forced to leave England when Mary I came to the throne. He died in 1568.