The Holy Bible, Containing Old and New Testaments, Translated out of the Original Tongues, and With the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. [Fore-Edge Painting].

Item Number: 138124

Glasgow: Printed by William Collins and Co., and Sold by William Collins, 1860.

Finely bound example of the Holy Bible, published by famed Scottish publisher William Collins and decorated with a double disappearing fore-edge painting. Octavo, bound in full morocco elaborately stamped in blind with gilt titles to the spine, gilt inner dentelles, brass reinforced board edges and clasp, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt and gauffered with a double disappearing fore-edge painting revealing scenes from both the Old and New Testament, illustrated with maps. In near fine condition. A unique example.

The first known example of a disappearing fore-edge painting (where the painting is not visible when the book is closed) dates back to 1649. Around 1750, the subject matter of fore-edge paintings changed from simply decorative or heraldic designs to landscapes, portraits and religious scenes, usually painted in full color. The technique was popularized in the 18th century by John Brindley (1732-1756), publisher and bookbinder to the Prince of Wales and Edwards of Halifax, a distinguished family of bookbinders and booksellers. The majority of extant examples of fore-edge paintings date to the late 19th and early 20th century on reproductions of books originally published in the early 19th century, including the present volume.