1860s Polyglot Bible William W. Harding
1860s Polyglot Bible
William W. Harding • Philadelphia • c. 1864–1870 • Antiquarian
A Distinguished Mid-19th-Century American Volume
A remarkably well-preserved mid-19th-century American Polyglot Bible, published by William W. Harding of Philadelphia during the Victorian era. This compact edition reflects the refined printing and binding practices of the period, combining a handsome original leather binding with a carefully produced electrotyped text block.
Its exceptional state of preservation is the defining feature of this volume. The original binding remains remarkably intact, retaining its deeply embossed geometric decoration and strong gilt spine details, while the interior remains unusually clean, bright, and well preserved.
Signature Highlight
The exceptional preservation of the original Victorian binding and interior. The brown leather remains free from cracking or chipping, with the embossed geometric paneling still crisp and well defined. The gilt spine decoration remains remarkably bright, with only minimal evidence of handling or shelf wear.
Highlights
Exceptionally Preserved Interior:
The pages remain remarkably clean, bright, and crisp for a volume of this age, with no observed foxing, staining, or moisture damage.
Original Victorian Binding:
The original deeply embossed brown leather binding remains structurally sound, with crisp decorative paneling and well-preserved gilt spine accents.
Philadelphia Printing History:
Published by William W. Harding of Philadelphia, this volume represents the craftsmanship and publishing activity of the city's important mid-19th-century printing trade.
Electrotyped Text Block:
The volume identifies J. Fagan & Son in connection with the electrotyping and Moore, Printer in its production, reflecting the increasingly sophisticated printing technology of the Victorian period.
Complete and Intact:
The volume is complete, retaining its original preliminary material, tables, indexing, and internal title pages.
Remarkable Preservation:
For a compact Bible intended to be handled and carried, its present condition is particularly impressive, with remarkably little evidence of the wear commonly encountered in comparable pocket-sized volumes.
Condition
Interior: Exceptionally preserved. The pages are clean, bright, and crisp, with no observed foxing, staining, or moisture damage. The text block remains tight, solid, and securely bound.
Exterior: Exceptional original condition. The brown leather remains supple and intact, with no cracking or chipping. The deeply embossed geometric decoration remains crisp, and the gilt spine accents are still strong and attractive.
Notable Imperfection: One isolated, stable closed tear measuring less than ½ inch on an interior leaf. It does not interfere with the legibility of the text or the structural integrity of the volume.
Physical Specifications
Publisher: William W. Harding
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date: c. 1864–1870
Format: compact edition
Binding: Original embossed Victorian brown leather with gilt spine decoration
Production: Electrotyped by J. Fagan & Son; printed by Moore, Printer
Completeness: Complete
Curator's Observation
Compact Victorian Bibles were designed to be practical volumes—books meant to be carried, handled, read, and transported. As a result, surviving examples frequently exhibit considerable rubbing, worn leather, loose gatherings, staining, or other evidence of extensive use.
This example is notable precisely because so little of that expected wear is present. The combination of its remarkably clean interior, intact original leather binding, preserved gilt decoration, and overall structural soundness provides an unusually clear glimpse into the craftsmanship of mid-19th-century American Bible production.
Rather than being heavily restored or cosmetically altered, this volume retains the character of its original Victorian construction and survives in an exceptionally well-preserved state.
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Collection Reference: AS-1045
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