The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments
God (attributed authorial source); Translated by various scholars (King James Version)
📚 Genre
Religious Text / Christianity
🏢 Publisher
Cambridge University Press (Printed by John W. Parker) for the British and Foreign Bible Society
📅 Publication Year
1844 (M.DCCC.XLIV)
🔢 ISBN
None (Pre-dates ISBN system)
About This Book
A mid-19th century printing of the King James Bible, containing the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments. The title page features classical typography with Latin phrases like 'Cum Privilegio' and indicates it was translated by his Majesty's special command and appointed to be read in churches.
Book Details
Language
English (translated from original Hebrew and Greek)
Pages
Approximately 800 - 1,200 pages (typical for compact 19th-century KJV editions)
Edition
Reprint of the Authorized King James Version (KJV)
Series
Not applicable
Target Audience
General Christian faithful and clergy
Collector Information
Condition
Fair. Visible foxing (brown spotting), significant staining on the title page, minor tearing at the bottom edge, and general age-toning of the paper.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 USD
Rarity
Uncommon. While 19th-century Bibles were printed in massive quantities, specific imprints in reasonable condition are collectible. This is not a 'Rare' book in the bibliophilic sense but is a desirable antique.
Historical Significance
The British and Foreign Bible Society (founded 1804) was instrumental in the mass distribution of Bibles globally during the Victorian era. This edition represents the standardized typography used by University printers for subsidized religious distribution.
Collector Notes
Value is heavily dependent on the binding (not shown) and the presence of family records or maps. To preserve, keep in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent further foxing and paper brittleness. Check if the binding is original leather or a later cloth rebinding.
Similar Books
The Book of Common Prayer (Oxford University Press); The Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan); Paradise Lost (John Milton)
Notable Features
Includes the British and Foreign Bible Society imprint; features Roman numeral dating (M.DCCC.XLIV); printed under University Privilege ('Cum Privilegio').