Illuminated Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments

Item #84307

(BIBLE). The Illuminated Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated Out of the Original Tongues... Embellished with Sixteen Hundred Historical Engravings by J. A. Adams, More than Fourteen Hundred of Which Are from Original Designs by J. G. Chapman. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1846. Heavy folio. 1284pp. in total. Frontis., extra engraved title page in color, illus. throughout. Publisher's black pebble-grained morocco, spine in six gilt-decorated panels with gilt decorations to front and rear covers, cream glazed endpapers, with the cloth-reinforced hinges (as issued) completely intact, a.e.g. Front joint worn but holding, some wear to edges, else fine. Hills 1161. First edition of what is generally acclaimed as the most elaborate American illustrated text issued up to its time. The first Bible to be printed in America using electrotype plates, it has been hailed by David Bland as "a technical tour de force." Harper's Illuminated Bible was originally issued in 54 fascicles, beginning in 1843, with the bound edition appearing in 1846. The title and half-title pages were printed in multiple colors. Owners could pay to have a picture of their church engraved on the cover, but the purchaser of this copy simply maintained the same gilt patterning appearing elsewhere on the binding. The family register pages found between the Old and New Testaments are blank. Given the size and heft, these Bibles are usually found in poor condition but this one is remarkably clean inside and the binding still firmly intact. This copy is from the collection of Michael Zinman.

Price: $4,000.00