The first royal quarto bible in english published in the newly formed United States of America. The quarto edition of Thomas's bible differed from the simultaneously issued folio edition in several respects and could be purchased in varying forms. The original price was $7, and Thomas was willing to accept partial payment in cash & the remainder in wheat, rye, Indian corn, butter or pork. "The two Thomas Bibles of 1791 were without doubt far in advance of any other publications of the same kind that had appeared in America in point of typography, excellence of paper, binding, and general execution" ( Wright ). Wright, Early Bibles of America, pp. 74-88; Evans 23185; Hills 30. Provenance: William John Lardner (1758-1825) and descendants through Lynford Lardner (1881-1941).