The Bay Psalm Book

The Bay Psalm Book, published in 1640, is recognized as the first book printed in British North America. Created by English Puritans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, it contains translations of psalms aimed at providing a resource for public worship. The book reflects the Puritan commitment to scripture and community worship, relying heavily on the original Hebrew texts. Its significance lies not only in its historical context but also in its influence on American religion and culture, marking a key moment in early American printing and the development of religious literature in the New World.