Exquisite, Rare, Collector, and Specialty Edition Bibles
Several of the pricier of these now rare Bibles are from our bookstore and thus of 1980-2000 vintage. They are therefore “old” but are nevertheless “new.” Most are in their original boxes if they were boxed, and in pristine condition. Their age is offset by the fact that 30 years ago Bibles were produced of MUCH higher quality, sewn not glued, gorgeous leather not the “pretend” leather that passes for quality today. Even the hardback editions below are of higher quality than their counterparts being published today. Sadly, Bible publishers care as little about quality as publishers in general. I have been saving some of the older of these Bibles for years, knowing that their quality would likely never been seen again. The prices may seem high, but in reality when compared with their original prices 30-40 years ago, the following prices are actually reasonable if not low, especially when you compare the quality with today’s cheaply-printed Bibles that sell for $100 or more. I could say much more. Having sold Bibles for 35 years, the craftsmanship of Bible publishing is of great interest to me and I know it fairly well. I would be happy to provide more information or photographs of any of the following editions. Write us through the contact page and I will answer any questions. I should make clear, however, that some of the Bibles listed below are indeed glued rather than sewn, though still of high quality. If you have specific questions, please ask. If you do purchase any of these and are unhappy with the quality, we will be happy to have you return it for a refund. We want your Bible reading to be a pleasurable experience.–Michael Phillips
Cambridge 20DXRL Black small hard-leather KJV lectern Bible (6 1/8 x 9 3/8), $325.00.
Cambridge Pitt Minion 55XRL, brown (5 x 7 3/8) KJV, $275.00.
This Bible, while gorgeous for a small “vest pocket” size whole Bible, is of a somewhat later vintage as is glued not sewn. The brown morocco binding, however, limp and luxurious to handle, more than makes up for it. This is almost a sensuous Bible for a book lover to hold in the hand.
Cambridge NIVWM202 black (7 3/4 x 9 5/8) NEW INTERNATIONAL WIDE MARGIN, Bonded leather, “Holy Bible New International Version” imprinted in gold on front leather cover and with maps, otherwise identical to 381 below, though of slightly different dimensions (7 3/4 x 9 5/8), $265.00.
Both these two NIV wide margins are beautiful Bibles, open nicely, and ideal for a NIV wide margin. Yet they are of much newer vintage and, in my opinion represent everything that is wrong with Bible publishing of recent years–glued binding not sewn, and “bonded” leather. No one purchasing these Bibles will be disappointed in their quality, but for a perfectionist who has seen the Bibles Cambridge produced in the 1970s and 1980s, it is still disappointing.
Bible–NIV Cambridge 381XRTL Wide Margin Reference Bible, black bonded leather, identical to 202 (exact same printing and pagination) above but without maps and slightly different dimensions (8 x 9 1/2). Plain front black leather cover without printing, $265.
New International Bible, Brown quality cloth original single column edition, red letter, new $32.50
New International Bible, Brown quality cloth original single column edition, new, Guidepost Edition $32.50
A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Metzger, quality cloth, new 27.500
Nestle-Aland Greek-English New Testament, quality cloth, new, $27.50
Oxford 5340A, New English Bible, original edition, polished Morocco over boards, brown leatherbound hardback, similar to a pulpit Bible but same size as all 1972 New English Bibles.
A gorgeous brand new Bible. Unfortunately, there are two tiny blemishes on the front cover near the edge, one a 1/8 inch x 1/32 inch gouge out of the leather. If this is to be a display piece, these flaws are obviously serious. If it is to be used as a daily Bible, they will no doubt it time blend in with the normal scuffs and wear and tear that distinguish Bibles used for the purpose they were intended.
Photographs of Bible and close-ups of the flaws are on the Ebay listing. $235.00
Tyndale New Living Bible, black bonded leather, brand new in original box, 5 ¼ x 7 3/8. This is the NEW Living Bible (1996) not the original Living Bible. $150.00
Tyndale New Living Bible, red bonded leather, brand new in original box, 5 ¼ x 7 3/8. This is the NEW Living Bible (1996) not the original Living Bible. $150.00
NIV Study Bible, original hardback, used with minor exterior discoloration but with no interior markings that I have found, still with original dust jacket. $175.00
NIV Study Bible, “Tenth Anniversary Edition” hardback, brand new still shrink-wrapped. $175.00
NIV Student Bible, Sandstone Bonded Leather, still shrink-wrapped in original box. $150.00
NIV Student Bible, Antique Ivory Bonded Leather, still shrink-wrapped in original box. $150.00