This 1885 Parallel Edition of the Holy Bible, published by Chandler Bros. of Rockford, Illinois, is a well preserved artifact of late 19th-century American heritage. This massive parallel-column folio uniquely pairs the Authorized and Revised versions side-by-side, offering an uncompromising household repository of faith, radical textual study, and history. Featuring a Complete Concordance, historical chronological tables, rich high-contrast illustrations, and vibrant lithographic maps, this heirloom volume serves as an elite intellectual resource and a beautiful window into the cultural life of early Midwestern families.

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SKU: 92406

The Parallel Bible THE HOLY BIBLE,

CONTAINING

THE AUTHORIZED AND REVISED VERSIONS

OF THE

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS,

ARRANGED IN PARALLEL COLUMNS,

THE TEXT CONFORMABLE TO THAT OF THE UNIVERSITIES OF OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE.

COMPLETE CONCORDANCE:

MARGINAL REFERENCES; CHRONOLOGICAL TABLES; A HISTORY OF ANCIENT BIBLICAL MANU-

SCRIPTS, WITH FAC-SIMILES OF THE SAME; THE EARLIEST PRINTED EDITIONS OF

THE BIBLE; A HISTORY OF THE REVISION OF THE BIBLE, ETC.

ROCKFORD, ILL. CHANDLER BROS.

About this Particular Bible

This parallel-column folio stands as a cultural icon of American Family Bibles. Enclosed in a heavy, deeply embossed full leather cover featuring ornate "Pictorial Bible" gold-stamping, deeply recessed cross motifs, and intricate geometric blind-tooling, its architectural spine instantly signaled its status as the centerpiece of the Victorian parlor. Inside, the volume pairs the text of the Old and New Testaments side-by-side for seamless translation comparison. This edition represents the historic first year in publishing history that a complete parallel translation of both Testaments was physically possible, capturing the immediate wave of the landmark 1885 English Revised Version. This wealth of 19th-century scholarship combines an undeniable physical presence, detailed full-page engravings, and full-color geographical plates.

The Exterior

The Bible has undergone a rigorous, sympathetic structural restoration on our bench that has expertly preserved its historical character and charm. It features reinforced inner hinges, enhancing its structural durability. The leather has been treated and chemically stabilized to arrest flaking and further deterioration, ensuring its preservation for many years—safeguarding the binding so it can survive another century or two with proper care.

The Interior

This Bible retains its original pastedowns and both original flyleaves intact. The interior pages appear very crisp, displaying a warm, authentic patina and light edge foxing that reflects its journey through time. The preliminary Matrimonial and Genealogical Family Record leaves are nicely filled out and very thorough. For nearly a century and a half these pages have served as the only family records, marking major milestones for muliple generations, making this a pristine early American artifact. This is a blue-chip piece of historical art and geneaology in a remarkable condition for a 141-year-old piece of history.

We provide detailed photographs to allow you to assess the book's condition and aesthetic appeal. Many, if not all, of the early books and Bibles we offer will show signs of aging, whether it's foxing on the pages, dog-eared or chipped corners, inscriptions from previous owners, or staining from years of use.

Why This Bible Still Matters Today

In a time when digital media dominates, this 1885 Victorian Family Holy Bible reminds us of the power of physical books to connect us with history, faith, and family. Its detailed illustrations invite readers to slow down and reflect. It encourages us to appreciate the craftsmanship of the past and to consider how we preserve our own stories for future generations.

The Role of Book Archaeology in Preserving This Heritage

At Book Archaeology, these Bibles are not only religious texts but also historical artifacts that reveal much about the cultural and spiritual lives of the past. As Guardians of the Written Word, we understand that preserving such volumes requires careful attention to their physical condition and historical context. Book Archaeology helps keep alive the stories and traditions embedded in these sacred pages.

Price $645 | Purchase Page | See all

SKU: 92406

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