Rare Bibles from the Reformation

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We are pleased to offer catalogue 4 in preparation for the 2025 New York International Antiquarian Book Fair.

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Geneva Bible with Title Page — *Geneva Bible*

The Geneva Bible was the first study Bible, featuring illustrations, maps, and explanatory notes. It was the Bible quoted by Shakespeare and read by Bunyan, and it accompanied the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower to America.
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*King James Bible*

The King James Bible is widely regarded as the crowning achievement of English Bible translations and one of the most celebrated works in the English-speaking world. It had a profound influence on the English language and culture. By the late 17th century, the King James Version became the dominant Bible translation, a position it held for centuries.
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Antique Bibles are:

Great Gift Ideas

Searching for a truly one-of-a-kind gift—something timeless, historically significant, and utterly unique? Antique Bibles and Bible leaves make exceptional gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, and even retirement.

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Perfect for Starting or Expanding Your Collection

There’s something remarkable about owning a Bible that began its journey centuries ago—whether it was once chained to a pulpit or smuggled into England across the North Sea. Give it a new home on your bookshelf and start building your collection today.

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Handmade Works of Art

Explore the interior to see how books were printed during the hand-press era, or examine the exterior to discover the craftsmanship behind the binding, including the construction of the boards and covers

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explore the outside

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Explore the Inside

Each page is handmade out of recycled rags and is carefully mapped out using hand placed type. Intricate woodcuts adorn many pages while others display meticulously drawn red-ruling or hand-colored illustrations. Every antique Bible is a masterpiece.

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Woodcut first chapter initials and illustrations were placed within the text.

Some illustrations were meticulously hand-colored at the print house or by a subsequent owner.

Title pages were included to both Testaments and were frequently elaborately illustrated.

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Explore the Outside

The owner of a newly-printed Bible worked closely with a master binder to design a custom binding. They could choose from a variety of binding materials, embellishments, clasps, and brass corner pieces. Some Bibles contain water-colored paintings hiding under the gilded edge. Each Bible is a work of unique craftmanship.

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Metalwork was installed to protect the book from wear.

Elaborate gilt-tooling was added to covers and spines for decoration.

Intricate fore-edge paintings and gauffered edges adorn some Bibles.

Kind Words

There isn’t enough time to tell you how pleased I am. This was my first purchase and the owners were the most helpful, knowledgeable, patient and kind I have ever dealt with remotely. The time they took explaining and educating me about the Bible I ultimately purchased after they explained about and showed me several others was so appreciated, it made me feel like family.

John
Joe is one of the fairest buyers and sellers of Historic Bibles and Christian books that I have ever met! The precise description he gives and knowledge that he has attained is truly exceptional.

Rick
From initial contact to delivery, everything about my purchase was outstanding. The bible shipped quickly and was exactly as described. I will definitely buy from Antique Bible again.

Scott
Fantastic to work with! So easy and they are experts.

Jeremy
My experience with Antique Bible was so informative, educational, enjoyable, and smooth. The price was completely fair for something so precious! I can't wait to buy again in the future.

Kyle
Great shipping, solid packaging, item descriptions accurate, easy to use website.

Jon
Probably the best collection I have ever seen in one website. Awesome deals and run by very knowledgeable people. If you have any questions, they are very quickly going to get in touch with you. Highly recommend.

Robert
I don't have $100,000 for a single page from a Gutenberg Bible, but getting a single page from a 400-year old Bible for less than $100 is priceless.

Bruce
I recommend Antique Bible for its selection of Bible pages. They had the specific leaf types I was interested in, the specimens provided were very nice representations for the period and the prices are affordable. The purchase transaction was easy and delivery arrived in good time. I would recommend them to any interested collector. I will purchase from them again.

James
Bible was better than pictured. I was amazed at the quality and substance of the Bible. It arrived quickly and was packaged perfectly to protect it completely during shipping. I am extremely pleased with my purchase and will buy again in the future.

Judy

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About the proprietor

Hi, I’m Joe!

Welcome to our world of antique Bibles. For me, dealing in these incredible books isn’t just a profession—it’s a passion. Since 2006, we’ve specialized in English Bibles from before 1700 AD, bringing years of experience and dedication to this work.

My role combines the thrill of treasure hunting, the precision of historical research, and the joy of connecting these treasures with collectors who will truly appreciate them on their shelves.

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Learn More About Bibles

Article Summaries

Catalogue 4

We are releasing our fourth catalogue in preparation for the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair. Here we discuss some of the highlights including Tyndale’s Pentateuch, Francis Fry’s personal copy of his Tyndale New Testament, a first edition King James Bible, and an early Great Bible.

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Antique Bible Buying Guide

Some of our customers are unsure where to begin or somewhat intimidated by the terminology involved in the business. We will provide you with an overview of the technical terms involved in the antiquarian book trade and share various factors that contribute to the price of an antique Bible.

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History of the Bible in English

The impact of the Bible throughout history is difficult to overstate. More manuscripts remain extant from antiquity than any other piece of literature. It was the first book in print and, at around 5 billion copies, the most sold and distributed book in existence.

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History of the Geneva Bible

For the first time, the Bible was divided into chapters with verses, packed with notes and commentary, and filled with helpful cross-references. The Geneva Bible stood apart as essentially the first ever Study Bible.

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History of the King James Bible

Filled with elegant prose and known for its majestic style, it would have an enormous impact on future generations. Described as one of the most important books in English, it bolstered the English-speaking world and contributed to English literacy for countless years.

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Rare Bibles from the Reformation

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Geneva Bible

Learn about the Geneva bible →

Geneva Bibles for Sale →

King James Bible

Learn about the King James bible →

king james bibles for sale →

Antique Bibles are:

Great Gift Ideas

Perfect for Starting or Expanding Your Collection

Handmade Works of Art

— CLOSE

Explore the Inside

learn more about antique bibles →

— CLOSE

Explore the Outside

learn more about antique bibles →

Joe is one of the fairest buyers and sellers of Historic Bibles and Christian books that I have ever met! The precise description he gives and knowledge that he has attained is truly exceptional.

From initial contact to delivery, everything about my purchase was outstanding. The bible shipped quickly and was exactly as described. I will definitely buy from Antique Bible again.

Fantastic to work with! So easy and they are experts.

My experience with Antique Bible was so informative, educational, enjoyable, and smooth. The price was completely fair for something so precious! I can't wait to buy again in the future.

Great shipping, solid packaging, item descriptions accurate, easy to use website.

Probably the best collection I have ever seen in one website. Awesome deals and run by very knowledgeable people. If you have any questions, they are very quickly going to get in touch with you. Highly recommend.

I don't have $100,000 for a single page from a Gutenberg Bible, but getting a single page from a 400-year old Bible for less than $100 is priceless.

Bible was better than pictured. I was amazed at the quality and substance of the Bible. It arrived quickly and was packaged perfectly to protect it completely during shipping. I am extremely pleased with my purchase and will buy again in the future.

About the proprietor

Hi, I’m Joe!

Learn More About Bibles

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