From ancient manuscripts to early printed books, the history of the Bible’s text spans nations, peoples and languages. This history is the showcase of “From Papyri to King James: The Evolution of the English Bible”—an exhibit that runs through Jan. 31 at the Special Collections Library.

Bibles and other religious works dating to the year 119, including the earliest known copy of the letters of St. Paul, demonstrate the evolution of works on papyrus, parchment and paper that led to the English translation of 1611 known as the King James Bible.

Fragments on papyri from Deuteronomy and Matthew; portions from several of the letters of Paul; and writings of early church leaders such as Melito, the Bishop of Sarids, and Hermas of Rome are part of the exhibit.

The exhibit is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday on the seventh floor of the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library. During the University holiday break, the exhibit will be open 1-5 p.m. Dec. 22-23 and Jan. 2.

Guided tours are available during the hours the exhibit is open and extended hours by appointment. For more information, call (734) 764-9377.