1883 Eadie’s Biblical Cyclopaedia – 23rd Edition, Inscribed

1883 Biblical Cyclopaedia – John Eadie, 23rd Edition, Gift Inscribed

Overview

A substantial and comprehensive Victorian reference work, Biblical Cyclopaedia; or, Dictionary of Eastern Antiquities, Geography, Natural History, Sacred Annals and Biography, Theology, and Biblical Literature, edited by the Reverend John Eadie, D.D., LL.D. This twenty-third edition was published in London in 1883 by the Religious Tract Society.

The volume preserves a charming piece of personal history on its front flyleaf, bearing the handwritten gift inscription:

“Geo. P. Girling. Nov. 13th 1883. From Aunty Lois.”

This dated inscription adds a personal dimension to the book's history, documenting its presentation as a gift in the year of publication.

The work contains extensive historical and theological reference material, exegetical notes, woodcut illustrations, full-page plates, and detailed maps relating to biblical geography. Among its notable illustrative features is a facsimile plate of the famous Inscription of Mesha the Moabite, also known as the Moabite Stone. Maps depicting biblical locations, including Canaan and the Travels of St. Paul, further enhance its value as a historical and geographical reference work.

Bibliographical Specifications

- Title: Biblical Cyclopaedia; or, Dictionary of Eastern Antiquities, Geography, Natural History, Sacred Annals and Biography, Theology, and Biblical Literature

- Editor: John Eadie, D.D., LL.D.

- Edition: Twenty-third edition, as stated

- Year: 1883

- Publisher: The Religious Tract Society

- Publication Address: 56 Paternoster Row, London

- Language: English

- Format: Thick octavo (8vo)

- Provenance Feature: Handwritten gift inscription to Geo. P. Girling from “Aunty Lois,” dated November 13, 1883

Binding and Exterior

The volume retains its Victorian half-leather binding, with a black morocco leather spine and corners over red-and-blue marbled paper-covered boards.

The spine features decorative gilt banding and gilt-stamped lettering reading “BIBLICAL CYCLOPÆDIA – EADIE.” The contrasting marbled boards and leatherwork give the volume a distinctive period appearance.

The binding remains stable and firm. Exterior wear includes rubbing to the leather along the spine hinges, together with moderate bumping and scuffing to the corners and paper edges, consistent with age and handling.

Illustrations and Reference Material

This comprehensive reference work brings together biblical scholarship and historical inquiry through its extensive text and illustrative material.

Notable features include:

- Historical and theological entries relating to biblical literature.

- Woodcut illustrations and full-page graphic plates.

- A facsimile plate of the Inscription of Mesha the Moabite, commonly known as the Moabite Stone.

- Detailed maps illustrating biblical geography, including Canaan and the Travels of St. Paul.

- Material addressing Eastern antiquities, natural history, sacred chronology, biography, and theology.

Detailed Condition

Completeness: Reported complete, with the text and illustrative material present as examined.

Interior: The interior is in exceptional condition for a Victorian reference work of this age. The pages are remarkably bright, clean, and crisp, and remain securely bound. The text, maps, and illustrative plates retain clear, sharp impressions, without major dampstaining or heavy age-soiling.

Binding: The original Victorian half-leather binding remains stable and firm. The spine and corners display age-related rubbing, while the marbled boards show moderate bumping and scuffing along the corners and paper edges.

Gift Inscription: The front flyleaf preserves the handwritten inscription, “Geo. P. Girling. Nov. 13th 1883. From Aunty Lois,” providing a contemporary record of the book's presentation as a gift.

These condition notes reflect observations made during examination. The accompanying photographs provide collectors with the opportunity to assess the binding, inscription, text, maps, and illustrative plates independently.

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Collection Reference: AS-1071

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