An extremely rare and important large format Bible published in 1769 and containing multiple full page engravings, please see below for the history and context.
 
The title page reads:
THE HOLY BIBLE: CONTAINING THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE NEW; WITH THE APOCRYPHA
Translated out of the Original Tongues, with Annotations
Birmingham: Printed by JOHN BASKERVILLE
MDCCLXIX with New Testament MDCCLXXI
 
John Baskerville (1706-1775) is revered as one of history's greatest printers. This 1769 folio Bible, printed in his Birmingham foundry during the final years of his life, represents the apotheosis of his career—a work so perfect in execution that copies remain highly prized by collectors, museums, and institutions more than 250 years after publication.
 
WHY THIS MATTERS: THE BASKERVILLE STORY
John Baskerville was a revolutionary figure in typography and printing. In an era when English printers were content to copy Dutch and French designs, Baskerville reimagined printing from first principles:
 
He cut his own typefaces—the "Baskerville" font still used worldwide
He developed revolutionary paper and ink formulations for superior clarity
He perfected presswork techniques that remained unsurpassed for decades
He designed his books as complete aesthetic objects, not mere text containers
 
The Paper: Baskerville's specially formulated paper—hand-made, creamy, perfectly weighted. It has aged beautifully, with an ivory patina that speaks of careful handling and preservation.
 
The Binding: Original calf leather with characteristic wear patterns indicating this was a treasured family Bible, consulted regularly and loved deeply. The binding is original period work—not a later rebinding, the front cover is loosely attached.
 
John Baskerville retired after his commission with Cambridge University ended and one of his original mentees, Nicolas Boden set up in competition in Birmingham printing the first Birmingham Bible also in 1769 (at the time of listing we have a copy of that first edition available too), John Baskerville came out of retirement to print this Bible in Birmingham as a direct response to Boden making this a rare and highly desirable Bible, often called the "Birmingham Baskerville" or "Baskerville's Birmingham folio" printed at Baskerville's own Birmingham press, not under university commission.
 
The visible family records include:
Robert Silvester born June 18, 1759
Simon Silvester born October 30, 1761
Henry Silvester born January 30, 1766
William Silvester born February 13, 1769
James Silvester born February 14, 1771
Armor Silvester born July 15, 1773
Armor Silvester II born February 10, 1776
Mary Silvester Bagshawe born September 20, 1777
Dating from 1759-1779, and continuing into subsequent pages with entries through the 1780s and 1790s, these records document a substantial and prolific English family. 
 
At the time this Bible was expensive enough to be a luxury item (a Baskerville Bible cost nearly 2 pounds—roughly $400-500 USD in today's money), it was nonetheless more affordable than handwritten manuscripts. It democratised access to scripture while maintaining absolute elegance.
 
The Silvester family records inscribed within represent the practical reality of that moment: ordinary English people documenting their families' stories within the framework of religious devotion, using the era's finest printed Bible as their family record book.
 
CONDITION & PRESERVATION
This Bible shows the honest patina of genuine use and age, not artificial distressing:
Binding: Original calf, with characteristic colour variation and surface wear indicating it was opened and consulted regularly over decades. The binding remains secure—all pages firmly attached, no loose sections, front cover loosely attached.
 
Text Block: Remarkably clean for its age. The typography remains crisp and highly readable. Baskerville's superior ink and paper formulations are evident—his printed text has aged far better than contemporary Bibles.
Illustrations: All engraved plates present and clearly printed. The decorative elements throughout remain visible and impressive.
Family Records: All handwritten genealogical entries remain legible—a remarkable survival given the potential for fading over 250+ years.
 
Overall: This copy has been loved and preserved by people who understood its value. There are no tears, missing sections, or significant damage. This is not a fragile artifact requiring specialised handling—this is a functional, usable historical object that has proven its durability.
 
The Bible is substantial measuring 42.5 x 28 x 8cm (16.73" x 11" x 3.15") and weighs 5.9kg (13lbs).