Biblia Pauperum (Bible of the Poor) – Limited Edition Victorian Facsimile, 1885 – Only 375 Copies Printed – Original Brass Clasps

Description

Offered is a beautiful and scarce Victorian facsimile of the Biblia Pauperum (Bible of the Poor), printed in 1885 by Unwin Brothers of London for A.C. Armstrong & Son, New York. This deluxe edition faithfully reproduces a fifteenth-century block book, featuring the original medieval woodcut illustrations alongside the Middle English biblical text attributed to John Wycliffe.

This is not an original fifteenth-century Bible, but an exceptionally well-executed Victorian scholarly facsimile produced during the height of the Gothic Revival. Only 375 copies of this edition were printed for the American market, making it a scarce collector's edition over 140 years old.

The volume is beautifully bound in cream vellum-style cloth with elaborate gilt Gothic decoration and retains its original decorative brass clasps. The heavy handmade paper with deckled edges further recreates the appearance and feel of an early medieval manuscript.

Features

• Printed in 1885
• Limited edition of 375 copies
• Published by A.C. Armstrong & Son, New York
• Printed by Unwin Brothers, London
• Reproduces the medieval Biblia Pauperum (Bible of the Poor)
• Middle English text from the Wycliffe Bible
• Numerous full-page reproductions of fifteenth-century woodcuts
• Original cream decorative binding
• Original brass clasps present
• Handmade deckled-edge paper
• Gothic Revival design throughout
• Using "Deckled" paper (hand made/looks handmade)

Condition

• Original binding remains attractive and structurally sound.
• Both original brass clasps are present.
• Pages are complete, clean, and display crisp impressions throughout.
• Heavy handmade paper remains bright with only light age toning.
• Minor wear to the corners and edges consistent with age.
• Some light rubbing to the spine and gentle edge wear to a few leaves.
• No significant foxing, water damage, or major repairs noted.

Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Who Was This Made For?

This edition was not intended as a reading Bible for everyday devotional use, but rather as a luxury collector's volume.

During the Victorian era, there was renewed fascination with medieval art, printing, and illuminated manuscripts. Publishers created fine facsimiles like this for:

• Wealthy private collectors
• Scholars of early English literature and biblical history
• Universities and theological libraries
• Members of historical and antiquarian societies
• Collectors of fine press and Gothic Revival books

The lavish binding, handmade paper, limited press run, and faithful reproduction of medieval woodcuts made this an impressive display volume as much as a scholarly reference.

Historical Significance

The original Biblia Pauperum was one of the earliest illustrated books of the fifteenth century. Rather than presenting the entire Bible, it paired dramatic woodcut illustrations with selected biblical passages to teach the relationship between Old and New Testament events.

Although this edition references John Wycliffe, the medieval reformer and translator of one of the earliest English Bibles, Wycliffe did not create the original Biblia Pauperum. Instead, this Victorian edition combines reproductions of the medieval woodcuts with selections from the Wycliffe Bible to recreate the spirit of the original work.

Collector Appeal

• Early Bible history
• Wycliffe Bible editions
• Medieval printing and block books
• Gothic Revival bindings
• Victorian fine press books
• Religious antiquarian books
• Rare illustrated books

With its limited edition status, original brass clasps, handsome Gothic binding, and striking medieval illustrations, this is a wonderful display piece and an increasingly difficult edition to find complete

Dimensions:

Weight - 485g

Height - 21cm

Width - 15.5cm

Thickness - 3cm