Rare Bibles from the Reformation

We curate the finest antique Bibles, offering them as historical works of art to be cherished for generations.

Antique Bibles are:

Great Gift Ideas

Looking for a truly one-of-a kind gift? Something timeless, packed with historical significance, and utterly unique? Antique Bibles and Bible leaves lend themselves well as gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, and even retirement.

Perfect for Starting or Expanding Your Collection

There’s something special about taking a Bible that, several centuries ago, began its life chained to a pulpit or being smuggled into England across the North Sea, and giving it a home on your book shelf. Start building your collection today.

Handmade Works of Art 

Take a look inside and see how books were printed in the hand-press era or browse the outside to view the binding process and how a book’s boards and covers were constructed.

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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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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 Shop Our Bibles

 
Geneva Bible with Title Page

Geneva Bible

The Geneva Bible became the first study Bible by including illustrations, maps, and explanatory notes. It was the Bible used by Shakespeare and Bunyan. It was the Bible aboard the Mayflower to America.

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King James Bible

The King James Bible is the crowning jewel of English Bible versions and one of the most celebrated books in the English speaking world. It made a profound impact on English language and culture. By the end of the 17th century the King James Translation was the dominant version and would remain so for centuries to come.

Learn about the King James bible →

king james bibles for sale →

 

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

About the proprietor

Hi, I’m Joe!

I am passionate about Antique Bibles because I love the word of God and find Church history fascinating. After studying the history of the English Bible, handling 500-year-old texts never gets old. There is something so satisifying about helping one find a home on a modern shelf where it is enjoyed again.

About the Proprietor

 Learn More About Bibles

Article Summaries
Catalogue 3
Catalogue 3

We are releasing our third catalogue in preparation for the upcoming Boston Book Fair. Here we discuss some of the highlights including first editions, Bibles with provenance, and some of the first Bibles printed in America.

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History of the Bible in English
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
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
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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Antique Bible Buying Guide
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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