This 1890 Pronouncing Edition of the Holy Bible, co-published by A. J. Conroy & Co. and Conroy Bros., is a remarkable artifact of late 19th-century American heritage. This parallel column folio uniquely pairs the Authorized and Revised versions side-by-side, offering a comprehensive household repository of faith and history. Featuring a Complete Concordance, historical chronological tables, a pronunciation guide, and rich classic illustrations, this heirloom volume serves as both a profound spiritual resource and a beautiful window into the cultural life of early Midwestern families.

THE PRONOUNCING EDITION

OF THE

HOLY BIBLE,

CONTAINING

THE AUTHORIZED AND REVISED VERSIONS

OF THE

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS,

ARRANGED IN PARALLEL COLUMNS,

GIVING THE CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF EVERY PROPER NAME CONTAINED IN THE BIBLE,

BY

PROF. S. W. WILLIAMS.

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.

A. J. CONROY & CO., | CONROY BROS.,

CINCINNATI, OHIO. | ST. LOUIS, MO.

About this Particular Bible

This parallel-column folio stands as a cultural milestone, surpassing standard single-translation family Bibles of the late 19th century. Enclosed in a heavy, deeply embossed leather cover featuring ornate cross motifs, geometric blind-tooling, and secure clasps, its elaborate gilt spine instantly signaled its status as the centerpiece of the Victorian parlor. Inside, the massive volume pairs the Authorized and Revised versions side-by-side, integrating Professor S.W. Williams' phonetic system, a Complete Concordance, and extensive chronological tables. This wealth of scholarship combines beauty, rich illustrations, and modern textual criticism.

The Exterior

The Bible has undergone a sympathetic restoration that has preserved its historical character and charm. It features a newly re-backed spine w/ the original leather laid-down and reinforced inner hinges, enhancing its durability beyond its original condition. The original leather has been treated and protected to prevent flaking and further deterioration, ensuring its preservation for many years, potentially extending its lifespan by another 100 to 200 years with proper care.

The Interior

This Bible has it's original pastedowns and both of it's original fly leaves. The fly-leaf has some chipping to the outer edge, after-which the pages appear quite nice along the edges, with foxing along the perimeter, consistent with it's age. The preliminary Presentation Leaf is blank, along with the Matrimonial and Genealogical Leaves, making this a beautiful Bible to adopt as a family Heirloom (See Photos). It is crucial to understand that these are not new Bibles; they are antiquarian books that should be treated accordingly, in this case, a 136 year-old Bible.

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 1892 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.

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