1881 Cambridge Family Bible – Turner Family Records
1881 Victorian Family Bible – Cambridge Press, Turner Family Registry (1864–1887)
Overview
A beautiful and historically significant example of a Victorian-era Holy Bible, printed in 1881 at the University Press in Cambridge, England, by C. J. Clay, M.A., for the British and Foreign Bible Society.
This volume preserves an extensive handwritten Turner family registry spanning the years 1864–1887, offering a personal glimpse into nineteenth-century family life. The front flyleaf bears the ownership inscription “Annie Turner. February 1883,” accompanied by a handwritten verse from Psalm 119:11.
The dedicated family record pages document the births of nine Turner children over a 23-year period: Fanny Elizabeth, Rebecca, Annie, Sarah, Emily Jane, Joseph, Jane, Nellie, and Henry Turner. The entries remain clear and legible, preserving a handwritten record within the Bible itself.
Beyond its printed biblical text, this volume represents a tangible piece of family and social history, bringing together Victorian book production, religious life, and a family's recorded history.
Bibliographical Specifications
Title: Holy Bible
Text: King James Version
Year: 1881
Printer: C. J. Clay, M.A., at the University Press, Cambridge, England
Publisher: Printed for the British and Foreign Bible Society
Language: English
Format: Octavo (8vo)
Contents: Complete Old and New Testaments, with original structural title pages
Family Record: Handwritten Turner family entries spanning 1864–1887
Original Victorian Binding
Cover: Bound in its original, substantial black morocco leather, featuring deep blind-stamped decoration. The front cover displays a clearly defined circular emblem reading “BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY,” framed within an ornate wreath and ribbon design.
Spine: The original spine retains its gilt-stamped lettering, “HOLY BIBLE,” which has faded slightly with age.
Page Edges: The text block retains its original burnished gilt edges, which remain attractive and well preserved.
The combination of the society's distinctive cover emblem, traditional Victorian leather binding, and gilt page edges gives this Bible a handsome period appearance.
Detailed Condition
Completeness: The Bible has been examined and is complete, with the full Old and New Testaments and original structural title pages present.
Interior: The pages are exceptionally well preserved for their age, remaining bright, clean, and crisp. Foxing is minimal, limited to a few scattered spots throughout the volume.
Family Records and Inscriptions: The handwritten Turner family entries remain clear, sharp, and legible. The ownership inscription to Annie Turner, dated February 1883, and the accompanying handwritten verse from Psalm 119:11 are also preserved.
Binding: The original black leather binding remains sturdy and structurally sound. A small area of separation is present at the upper end of the front cover hinge, although the board remains securely attached.
These condition notes reflect observations made during examination. The accompanying photographs provide collectors with the opportunity to inspect the binding, printed text, handwritten family records, and other details independently.
Inquiry to Purchase
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Collection Reference: AS-1070
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.