WRIGHT’S BEAUTIFUL EARLY 19TH–CENTURY BRITISH FAMILY BIBLE, ILLUSTRATED WITH OVER 80 ENGRAVED PLATES, HANDSOMELY BOUND

WRIGHT, Paul. The Christian's New and Complete British Family Bible… London: Printed for Alex. Hogg, circa 1800. Folio (9-1/2 by 15 inches), contemporary full tree calf gilt, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, red morocco spine label, marbled endpapers. $4500.

Illustrated, early 19th-century family Bible (circa 1800), with the magisterial King James text and 82 copper-engraved plates including allegorical frontispiece, distinguished in full contemporary tree calf.

First published in 1611, the venerable King James Version of the Bible has exercised an incalculable impact on piety, language and literature throughout the English-speaking world. It is probably the text most commonly found in Bibles such as this one, designed for use and display in the home. Extensive historical and theological commentary compiled by Paul Wright ("Vicar of Oakley and Rector of Snoreham") accompanies the scriptural text, as do an engraved allegorical frontispiece and 81 engraved plates depicting some of the Bible's most dramatic moments and memorable persons. Includes Apocrypha. First published 1782 as The Complete British Family Bible (Herbert 1278).

Occasional light foxing. Short closed tear to leaf [E2], barely touching text; minor marginal loss to [6P2], not affecting text. Handsome contemporary tree calf with light rubbing to spine ends and joints, light abrasions to rear board, faint circular stain to front board, gilt bright. A most handsome illustrated Bible.