A good quality Practical and Devotional Family Bible. Published in Glasgow and London by William Collins, Sons, and Company, this folio-sized heirloom features the Authorised Version of the Old and New Testaments, enriched by the esteemed condensed commentaries of Henry and Scott, edited by the Rev. John McFarlane.
Bound in heavy pebble-grain black leather with classic raised bands and distinct gilt spine titling, this volume is a striking example of Victorian bookbinding and typography. Inside, the text is complemented by comprehensive marginal references, chronological tables, detailed scriptural maps, and an elaborately bordered, completely unused Family Register section awaiting your own family heirloom history or serving as a pristine display piece.
A statement piece for a mantle, library, or altar, and a wonderful acquisition for collectors of antique theology and Victorian printing.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) was a renowned Welsh nonconformist minister, author, and theologian. He is best famous for his monumental multi-volume work, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (commonly known as Matthew Henry’s Commentary), which provided verse-by-verse devotional and practical insights that became a staple of Protestant home libraries for centuries.
Thomas Scott (1747–1821) was an influential English clergyman, biblical critic, and the Rector of Aston Sandford. He wrote The Holy Bible, with Explanatory Notes, Practical Observations, and Copious Marginal References, a massive commentary that matched Henry's devotional depth with rigorous theological clarity and practical application.
Henry and Scott Combined: Long after their individual deaths, Victorian publishers frequently paired Henry and Scott's commentaries together. Because their original writings spanned many massive volumes, editors in the 19th century condensed their notes—retaining the most powerful devotional and explanatory thoughts—to create comprehensive study Bibles fit for family daily readings.
Rev. John McFarlane, LL.D. (1807–1875) was a prominent Scottish Presbyterian minister who served in Glasgow and later in London. As an editor for major publishing firms like William Collins, he was tasked with organising, condensing, and framing the extensive commentaries of Henry and Scott into accessible, cohesive volumes like this family Bible, ensuring that heavy theological scholarship could be easily navigated by everyday Victorian households.
Dimensions: 34 x 26 x 9.5cm (13.4" x 10.2" x 3.74") and weighing 5.07kg (11.18 Ibs).
Condition Notes: Solidly bound , complete and with clean text throughout.
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.
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