Two Volume “Finger Bible”

5j Holy Bible. London: Eyre & Spottiswoode, ca.1890s.

Notes

The Holy Bible is a collection of sacred texts central to the Christian faith, composed of the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament includes historical narratives, laws, poetry, and prophetic writings from ancient Israel, while the New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, and legacy of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. Written over a span of centuries by multiple authors in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, the Bible has been translated into thousands of languages and remains one of the most widely read and distributed books in the world. Its influence extends beyond religion into literature, culture, and ethics.

The finger Bible is a miniature version of the Bible, often created as a novelty or devotional item. Words measuring only a few centimeters in size, these tiny books sometimes contain the full text of the Bible or select passages, printed on extremely thin, delicate pages. The earliest examples date back to the 19th century, made possible by advances in printing technology. While not typically intended for regular reading due to their size, finger Bibles have been used as travel companions, symbolic gifts, and collector’s items, reflecting both craftsmanship and the desire to carry scripture in a compact form.

Description

Pebbled soft leather binding with gilt lettering to upper boards and spine. One star on volume one indicating part one, and two on volume two indicating part two. All edges gilt.  Some fading to gilt and general fading to leather. Wear to upper spine of volume one. Fully intact. Fine condition overall.