1844 – Enormous, Imperial Family Bible | Full-Page Folio Engravings | 2vols

A finely illustrated 19th-century edition of the Bible, the first to be illustrated in the large Imperial folio page dimension for easier family reading. This new edition was published to reach the masses while being sophisticated enough for the scholars. Greenspan notes the ‘Imperial Family Bible’ was, “the grandest of the many Bibles and theological works the Blackie marketed over the years.”

This Bible was popular amongst the royal house as well,

“Her majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, each ordered a copy of the ‘Imperial Family Bible’ on its first publication. And it was also patronized by a large number of the members of the Royal Household, by several bishops, and by many of the nobility, clergy, and landed gentry.” (Blackie).

This 1844 edition is beautifully illustrated with engraved plates of Bible scenes and notes and explanations of each book, as well as a decorative spine and cover!

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The imperial family Bible : containing the Old and New Testaments
• Author(s): Holy Bible
• Illustrator(s): Nicolas Poussin; Raphael; Titian; Henry Richter, etc.
• Publisher: Glasgow, Blackie and Son
• Edition: 1844 edition.
• Binding: Full leather
• Format: Folio, two volume set
• Size:  15 in x 11.25 in (38 cm x 29 cm)
• Collation: xxiv, [4], 1358 pp
  • Two volumes, continuously paged
• Illustrations: full page engraved plates, unnumbered
• Contents Include:
  • The Old Testament
  • The New Testament
  • Prefatory material
  • Explanatory notes accompanying Biblical books

Condition:

Good. Full leather binding with wear visible at hinges and corners. Gilt decoration remains visible. Binding remains secure and the text block is strong. Engraved plates and pages remain clean overall.

Why Collect This?

• Huge Imperial format Victorian family Bible
• Engraved plates of Bible scenes from famous artists

Item Number: #50156