XL "Holy Bible" Black Full Leather Book

13.5" H x 10" W x 3" D

Written In English 

Published by William Collins, Sons, and Company—likely in the latter half of the nineteenth century—The Practical and Devotional Family Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, With the Reading Lessons as Arranged by Rev. John William Lees, London: And Selected Passages Supplemented from the Commentaries of Henry and Scott is a comprehensive religious volume intended for household study and worship. Though the exact publication date does not appear on the title page, the mention of both Matthew Henry and Thomas Scott—prominent eighteenth-century commentators—along with the imprint of Collins in this form suggests a Victorian-era production, consistent with the style and size of many substantial family Bibles of that time. Such Bibles served not just as scriptural texts but also as cornerstones of family devotions, moral instruction, and, frequently, the recording of genealogies.

The purpose of this Bible was to provide an accessible guide to Scripture, augmented with explanatory notes and commentary drawn from Henry and Scott, two of the most widely read biblical expositors of their day. By including these commentaries directly alongside the biblical texts, the volume aimed to aid families in understanding and applying Christian teachings in daily life. The Victorian period saw a surge in the publication of “family Bibles” designed for home use, reflecting broader trends of religious observance, literacy expansion, and an appetite for devotional literature that combined spirituality with practical instruction.

From a historical standpoint, this Bible speaks to the devotional practices of nineteenth-century Christian households. Owning a large, finely bound Bible symbolized not only piety and reverence for Scripture, but also a family’s commitment to moral and spiritual education. Moreover, the inclusion of “reading lessons” as arranged by Rev. John William Lees indicates a structured approach to daily or weekly Scripture study, fitting neatly into Victorian ideals of regimented family worship, moral instruction, and the desire to pass on religious heritage to the next generation.

One of the most striking features of this volume is its stately full-leather binding, executed in black leather with ornately tooled compartments on the spine and an elaborate blind-stamped border on the covers. The raised bands on the spine, gilt-lettered title reading “HOLY BIBLE,” and secondary label stating “HENRY AND SCOTT” lend the book an imposing and dignified appearance. Such craftsmanship was typical of high-quality Victorian Bibles, which were often intended to last for decades—if not generations—of family use. The robust cover, decorative tooling, and presumably gilded page edges (a common feature in such Bibles) all speak to the volume’s status as both a functional devotional tool and an heirloom-worthy artifact.

Summarized in simple terms, this Bible is a large, nineteenth-century family copy designed to make Scripture and biblical commentary easily accessible to the entire household. Combining both the Old and New Testaments with authoritative explanatory notes, it served as an all-in-one guide to faith, moral teaching, and pious living. By uniting Henry’s and Scott’s renowned commentaries, it offered devout readers a rich tapestry of insights for instruction, discussion, and reflection.

Condition:

In its present condition, the volume shows signs of careful use over time. The black leather boards, though solid and intact, have areas of rubbing along the edges and corners, and the spine displays slight chafing and minor scuff marks befitting a book of this size and age. The hinges may exhibit subtle cracking but appear strong enough to hold the text block securely. Internally, the pages likely show some age toning, scattered foxing, or mild discoloration, as is customary for a well-preserved Victorian Bible. Despite these expected indicators of age, the binding retains much of its original grandeur, and the text remains clearly legible—a testament to both the quality of its Victorian craftsmanship and the enduring nature of this classic devotional volume.