This listing is for a Rare Antique 1885 edition of “The Parallel Bible”. Besides being just a cool antique Victorian Bible, this elaborately illustrated and ornately bound work is also a Dictionary, has 2000 Illustrations, a history of different Christian branches, Maps, Genealogy’s, Appendixes galore, over 4,000 questions and answers, and much much more! Read below for the impressive full list! It comes from the end of an era where Bibles were more than just a religious text, they were also educational tools. In a time without easily accessible information like today, these books were a valuable home reference tool for a family to have, as well as being an heirloom containing a written record of their own history. These antique Bibles become more rare each year, as inheritors who no longer understand their importance damage them with careless treatment or accidentally throw them away. This Bible is an excellent collector’s item, display / decor piece, gift, heirloom, an educational tool, and much more! (Over 60 additional photos are available upon request, specific photos can be taken upon request). It is an interesting Bible because it has 2 Bibles in Parallel – the 1611 Authorised King James Version and the Revised Version of 1881 (New Testament) and 1885 (Old Testament). It is displayed in a special parallel style (hence the name) in the Old Testament with the King James Version in one column and the revised Version in another column. Published in 1885, this Victorian Bible features Embossed Leather covers, and multiple pages filled with beautiful illustrations and guides of multiple kinds. The full list of which is as follows. 1000 Illustrations: 23 pages in color including 4 maps and 4 photo pages, 54 gorgeous full page engravings black & white, the “Concordance, Bible Dictionary”, Four Thousand Questions & Answers on the Old and New Testament and full of HISTORY to enjoy. It also has multiple filled out “Family History” pages, titled as follows; Presented To, Marriage Certificate, Deaths / Memoranda, Births, Temperance Page, as well as two Photo Pages in the very back. It may have more little treasures tucked between its pages, as I have not had the time to examine every single one down to the spine, but have carefully leafed through. The photo pages have some damage from their photos being removed at some point. The binding is the original publishers binding. It is in good condition, it is not close to falling apart in the readers hands at all, however it does have some wear from age. It has some splitting, which I believe could be repaired, or left as is -as it is stable. The pages have the usual wear from the hands of multiple generations. There are no major tears, missing pages, or obscuring stains that I have seen. There are some speckles, as well as some faintly discolored areas close to the spine in spots, I believe flowers or keepsakes that have since been removed or fallen out were pressed there. This large and ornate Bible Measures approximately 10.5″ x 12.75″x 4.75 thick. This is a HUGE and decently heavy high quality Bible! It is a perfect heirloom piece, or decor item. The outer covers have engravings stamped in gold. Of the few I have seen, some claim it is 14k or 18k gold, but I have not tested it in any way to avoid damage. It has two ornate metal clasps which hold the Bible together very nicely. The original hinges hold together nice and tightly, and do not strain the binding. This Bible has won numerous awards at exhibitions throughout the 1870s. In an excerpt from the United States Centennial Commission Judge’s Report it says; This exhibit is especially noteworthy for the beauty and variety of Family Bibles displayed. The printing of the Bible is admirably done. The bindings of the Bible are varied with good taste, to meet the wants of customers; the prices of all being extremely reasonable. Thank you for your consideration. Please see photos for details, comes as shown. Please feel free to message me with questions, or for additional photos. Reasonable offers always considered. I recommend displaying this piece on a book stand, and to avoid opening it on a flat surface, to not crack the spine further.