Magnificent Victorian Imperial Family Bible – 1850.
 
A superb and exceptionally substantial Victorian family Bible, published by Blackie & Son in 1850, beautifully bound in richly gilt-decorated leather and illustrated with a remarkable series of finely engraved biblical scenes and blank family register.
Measuring an impressive 38 × 27 × 11 cm and weighing approximately 7.1 kg, this magnificent volume is a striking example of the grand family Bibles produced during the early Victorian period.
 
The Imperial Family Bible.
Published by Blackie and Son, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London in 1850, this edition contains the Old and New Testaments according to the Authorised King James Version, together with many thousands of critical, explanatory and practical notes, references, readings, chronological tables and indexes.
 
The large pages are beautifully printed in double columns, with extensive scholarly commentary and biblical references.
 
Fine Victorian Engravings.
One of the most remarkable features of this Bible is its series of elaborate full-page engravings, reproducing biblical subjects by celebrated artists including John Martin, Nicolas Poussin, Raphael, Titian and P. J. de Loutherbourg, among others. The illustrations include dramatic interpretations of The Deluge, Moses Striking the Rock and The Translation of Elijah, as well as numerous other scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The engravings are particularly finely executed, displaying intricate detail, delicate tonal variations and impressive contrasts of light and shade. Impressions from the engraved plates are visible on the paper, adding to the appeal of this fine example of Victorian book production. The plate impressions are evident, framing each piece and a mark of quality.
 
Richly Decorated Leather Binding.
The Bible is bound in handsome burgundy-brown leather with an elaborately gilt-tooled spine, raised bands, decorative gilt borders and an elegant oval gilt frame to the covers.
The binding is complemented by bright turquoise-green endpapers and a gilt-lettered former owner's label reading:
 
GEORGE GOULD – KNAPP COTTAGE
 
This attractive ownership label provides an additional element of nineteenth-century personal history.
 
Condition.
Very good antique condition, particularly considering the Bible's considerable size, weight and age. The substantial leather binding remains attractive, with some minor rubbing and wear to the extremities and spine joints consistent with age.
 
The pages are generally well preserved, with occasional foxing, light spotting and age-related toning, particularly to some of the engraved plates and surrounding margins.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
 
Details.
Title: The Imperial Family Bible
 
Publisher: Blackie and Son
 
Publication date: 1850 (MDCCCL)
 
Place of publication: Glasgow, Edinburgh and London
 
Language: English
 
Text: Authorised King James Version
 
Binding: Decorated leather with extensive gilt tooling
 
Illustrations: Full-page nineteenth-century engravings
 
Dimensions: 38 × 27 × 11 cm
 
Weight: Approximately 7.1 kg
 
Condition: Very good antique condition
 
An impressive survivor of Victorian religious and publishing history, this beautifully illustrated Bible would make a wonderful addition to a collection of antique books, fine bindings or ecclesiastical objects or as a treasured family Bible with the register ready for completion.
 
Its magnificent proportions and richly decorated binding also make it a particularly attractive display piece for a traditional library, study or historic interior.
 
This item is zero rated for US import tariffs.
 
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The picture showing the Bible in a period setting is included to give context, please be aware that it has been AI generated and so please rely on the actual dimensions given here for accurate sizing; other items that may be shown in the picture are not included in the sale.