Late 18th Century King James Bible 1785 to 1799 Leather Bound Family Bible

This late 18th century King James Bible is a complete copy of the Authorized Version printed in London by C. Eyre and A. Strahan, His Majesty's Printers.

The imprint dates this edition to between 1785 and 1799 during the reign of King George III. Bibles from this period were produced under royal patent and formed part of the official publication of the King James text.

The title page carries the royal coat of arms with the lion and unicorn, confirming its status as an authorised edition. The engraved border with its classical columns and arch reflects the style of English book production during the late 18th century.

The phrase "Appointed to be Read in Churches" shows that this edition follows the approved text first authorised in 1611 for use throughout the Church of England.

One of the most appealing features of this Bible is the handwritten inscription and poem on the opening flyleaves.

The inscription reads:

"Mary Anne Ball. Given as a Christmas present, by her Affectionate Mother." 

This personal dedication records the Bible as a Christmas gift from a mother to her daughter and provides a direct link to its early ownership.

The dedication continues with handwritten verses celebrating the strength and devotion of a mother's love. Written in an elegant 19th century cursive hand, the poem reflects the values and family traditions of the period and adds another layer of history to the volume.

During the 18th and 19th centuries families often used the blank pages of a Bible to record names, important events and meaningful writings. As one of the most valuable books in the home, a family Bible often became a record of family history passed from one generation to the next.

The Bible retains its original heavy leather binding, likely goatskin or calfskin. After more than 230 years the leather has worn and much of the original surface finish has been lost through use. Faint traces of a blind stamped decorative border remain visible near the lower edges, showing the quality of the original binding.

The page edges have developed a dark patina from age and handling, giving the book the appearance expected from a well used family Bible that has survived for generations.

The inside boards are finished with hand marbled endpapers. Each sheet would have been created by floating pigments on a prepared liquid surface before transferring the pattern onto paper by hand. No two sheets were identical, making every binding unique.

The marbled paste downs and the neatly turned leather edges indicate a professionally bound volume from the late 18th or early 19th century. These details reflect the care taken in its original production.

The binding shows wear, surface loss to the leather and scuffing to the corners that match its age and use. The text block appears solid and the marbled endpapers, handwritten dedication and family poem give this Bible character and provenance that go beyond the printed text.

This is a substantial piece of British printing history and a surviving family heirloom with features that collectors of antique books and Georgian bindings will appreciate.

Height: 22cm 

Width: 15cm 

Thickness: 8.5cm