Imperial Family Bible 1860

5RR Imperial Family Bible. London: Blackie and Son, 1860.

Notes

The Imperial Family Bible was produced in the 19th century, primarily in Britain, during the Victorian era. These editions were typically printed between the 1830s and the late 1800s. They were based on the authorized King James Version (KJV) and intended for use in the home as a family record and devotional resource.

These Bibles were often issued in large, illustrated formats known as "imperial" for their size and presentation and include steel engravings, maps, and supplemental reference materials such as concordances or summaries of biblical history. The family record pages are a standard feature, aligning with the Victorian emphasis on genealogy and family legacy.

Production was typically subscription-based, with buyers paying in installments over time, which allowed for elaborate binding and high production values. The volumes were often printed on heavy rag or linen-based paper for durability. While the text remained the KJV, additions varied slightly by publisher and edition, with some including commentary, historical overviews, or theological notes.

Description

Black leather binding with gilt ornamentation framing the upper and lower boards. Five raised bands with gilt ornamentation and/or lettering within each compartment. Additional blind tooling on upper and lower boards. Gilt turn ins with marbled endpapers. All edges gilt. Full page steel plate engravings throughout. Blank family register pages between Old and New Testament. General wear and scuffing to the extremities and boards. Relatively large text size. Fine condition overall.