A finely produced late-Georgian illustrated edition of the Holy Bible, printed in London in 1795 and commonly known as the Fittler Cabinet Bible. Complete in three volumes.

Format: Quarto (approx. 255 × 170 mm binding; text block 200 × 115 mm).
Printed on laid paper.
Copperplate engraved illustrations throughout.

Contemporary gilt-tooled calf bindings with decorative Greek-key borders, urn tools, and spine compartments richly gilt. Spines lettered “Unique Cabinet Bible,” volumes numbered I–III. Marbled endpapers.

Includes engraved titles and numerous copperplate plates after celebrated Old Masters, including works after Albrecht Dürer.

Notable Textual Variant Mark 7:27:

This copy contains a significant misprint in Mark 7:27, reading:

“Let the children first be killed…”

The correct King James Version text reads “filled.”

The type appears cleanly set, indicating an original typesetting error rather than ink spread or damage. Such single-word errors were possible in hand-set late 18th-century printing, though examples preserved in complete sets are uncommon.

This feature adds bibliographical interest to the present copy.

James Fittler (1758 - 1835):

James Fittler was one of the leading English engravers of the late 18th century. A pupil of Francesco Bartolozzi, he developed a reputation for refined line engraving and reproductive prints after major European paintings.

He served as Marine Engraver to King George III and became an Associate of the Royal Academy. Fittler’s engravings are known for their clarity, controlled shading, and academic precision.

The Cabinet Bible represents a substantial artistic undertaking, translating revered religious artworks into accessible engraved form for educated Georgian households. It reflects both devotional purpose and the era’s strong appetite for fine art reproduction.

Historical Context:

Published in 1795 during the reign of George III, this edition belongs to a period of high craftsmanship in English printing and copperplate engraving.

The “Cabinet Bible” format was designed for cultured domestic libraries. Elegant, illustrated, and intended as both devotional text and decorative object.

Printed by Thomas Bensley, one of London’s respected printers, and issued by publisher Robert Bowyer, this edition reflects the late-Georgian taste for finely illustrated religious works prior to full mechanization of printing in the 19th century.

Large illustrated quarto Bibles such as this were substantial purchases at the time and often retained as heirloom volumes.

Condition:

• Complete in three volumes
• Engravings present
• Age toning and foxing can be found throughout
• Rubbing to binding extremities
• Structurally sound

Dimensions (Complete set):

Weight - 3.75KG

Height - 25.5cm

Width - 17cm

Thickness - 13.5cm