For sale is a rare and historically significant 1840 edition of the Czech Bible, titled:
"Biblij Swatá, aneb wszelka Swatá Písma Starého y Nowého Zákona…"
("The Holy Bible, or all the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament…")
This antique Bible was printed in Gynsu (likely a historic or Germanized name for a Czech town such as Jindřichův Hradec) by Karel Weingart, a 19th-century printer. It represents a bridge between the famous Bible of Kralice and later modern Czech editions, making it a unique addition to any historical Bible collection.
Key Features
Printed in 1840 – pre-dates Czech language reforms
Place of printing: Gynsu (now likely part of the Czech Republic)
Gothic script, full title page intact
Complete or near-complete interior (please inquire or see photos)
Historical Significance
This edition is an important artifact from the (most likely) Catholic biblical tradition, published during a period of growing national revival. Its use of archaic orthography makes it not just a religious text but a linguistic time capsule for students of Slavic languages or Bible translation history.
Why This Is Important
This 1840 Czech Bible is more than just a religious text — it’s a living artifact of Czech linguistic, religious, and national history.
Linguistic Heritage:
The Bible is printed in pre-reform Czech orthography, using letters like "w" for modern "v" and "y" for "i", offering insight into how the Czech language was written and read before standardization. It's an invaluable resource for historians and linguists studying the evolution of Slavic languages.
Religious and Cultural Identity:
Bibles like this were central to Czech identity during the 19th century, a time of national revival under the Habsburg Empire. Whether used by Protestants or Catholics, such editions helped preserve the Czech language and faith traditions during a period of Germanization and political suppression.
Printing and Publishing Rarity:
Printed by Karel Weingart, this edition comes from a small regional press—far less common than large urban publishers of the time. These local editions are rarely seen outside of libraries or archives and are seldom available to private collectors.
Connection to the Kralice Bible Tradition:
This Bible stands in the legacy of the Bible of Kralice (1579–1593), the first complete Czech translation from the original biblical languages. Later editions like this one helped disseminate and preserve the Kralice linguistic and theological influence for new generations.
Collector’s Value:
With its unique typography, historical printing location (“W Gynsu”), and publication date (1840), this book is a true rarity—highly desirable for collectors of antique Bibles, Central European printing, and Slavic heritage.
Dimensions:
Weight - 1.48KG
Height - 22.8cm
Width - 14.5cm
Thickness - 7cm
Damage:
Leather is very slightly split on the front cover.
