very rare book tells a story. Collected over almost 200 years by the American Bible Society, the Rare Bible Collection @ MOBIA tells many. Johannes Gutenberg printed the first book, a Bible, in 1455. Since that first printing, the Bible has been one of the most reproduced and translated books in the world. The history of the printed Bible is intimately linked to the history of the printed book—to its manufacture, illustration, binding, merchandizing, distribution, ownership, and use.
The rare book collection in MOBIA’s care is one of the oldest libraries in the United States. Begun in 1817 by the American Bible Society, itself founded just a year earlier, the Collection is the largest rare printed Bible collection in the western hemisphere. Each edition has a story and together the Collection reveals insights about book production and preservation as well as the individuals who used and donated a particular volume. As a rare book library, the Collection affords exploration of the role of the printed Bible in western culture and in the life of the United States since the early decades of the country’s founding. The Collection also tells the story of the American Bible Society, one of the oldest not-for-profit organizations and publishing houses in the United States.
Since 2010, MOBIA has been thematically exploring the Collection’s manuscripts, incunables (books printed before 1501), and rare printed books through a series of exhibitions and publications. This site offers visitors an opportunity to spend some time with our rare Bibles. If you would like to see our rare books in person, please check MOBIA’s exhibition calendar for a glimpse of what’s on view.
I have a bible from 1901 that I am trying to find its worth. I am not sure what info you need or if you can help but anything would be greatful. Thanks
Mark
The English Bible was first printed in 1535 and by 1901 countless millions of copies had been produced. The only 1901 English Bible that can be considered a rare book is the one printed by Thomas Nelson and Sons, which happens to be the first edition of the American Standard Version.
The policy of our Library is not to do any monetary evaluation, and the value of a book is to some extent determined by its physical condition and cannot be established sight unseen.
–Dr. Liana Lupas, Curator
While cleaning out my parent’s home, I discovered an American Bible Society bible with the following cover sheet.
The Holy Bible/containing the Old and New Testaments:Translated out of The Original Tongues; and with The Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised. New York: American Bible Society, instituted in the Year MDCCCXVI/
1896
On next pg their is a table of contents along with the notation that 316,000 printed.
Can you tell me anything about this bible.
Does it date from 1896 or was that the Society or could it be both
Thank you for any info you can provide.
Ihavean18centurybibleisitworthanything
I have a Bible that I bought back in 1978 at a yard sale it was 1836 German Lutheran Bible. It wasn’t in very good condition when I bought it and has deteriorated over the years. From what I have been able to figure out it looks like it may have been printed in Philadelphia. I was wondering how rare this book was and if it would be worth getting it rebound. It has the first few pages of Genesis missing but it came like that when I bought it. Any other information you could give me would be greatly appreciated thank you
Would an American in about 1820 in the North East of the United States, who read and spoke only English, have had access to any other translation of the Bible except the KJV? What other versions might have been available?
I am an Art History major, but when I graduate and go for my masters I would love to be in a program for conservation. I am interested in directly book and paper conservation. I was wondering if there was a conservation lab in which I would be able to apply for an internship?
We have a 1863 American Bible Society large Bible with hindges on the side. We would like to know if it can be repaired and its worth vs having it repaired. Thank you for your input.
Lindsay, We do have a conservation lab and take interns for special projects. Contact the museum directly and ask for the conservator.
I have an American Bible Society Bible that was published in 1892. I too, am wondering it’s value. Instituted in the year MDCCCXVI