Robert Barker (printer)

Robert Barker (c. 1570 – 1645) was a London printer who held the office of King's Printer (or King's Most Excellent Majesty's Printer) from 1610 until his death. He is best known for printing the King James Version of the Bible in 1611, an edition which became notoriously known as the "Wicked Bible" due to a typographical error in the Ten Commandments where the word "not" was omitted from the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Barker inherited the title of King's Printer from his father, Christopher Barker, who had also been a prominent printer. The King's Printer held a monopoly on printing the Bible, Acts of Parliament, and other official government documents. This lucrative position allowed Barker to acquire considerable wealth and influence.

While Barker printed numerous significant works, the "Wicked Bible" incident severely damaged his reputation and led to financial repercussions. Despite being fined and losing his monopoly for a time, he was eventually reinstated. His tenure as King's Printer was marked by a combination of significant achievements and notable controversies. He died in debtors' prison in 1645.