The Holy Bible,

Cathedral binding

A charming Georgian stereotype King James Bible handsomely bound in contemporary straight-grained red morocco to a Cathedral design.

'William Ged (1690-1749), the inventor of stereotyping, obtained in 1731 a contract for printing Prayer Books and Bibles for Cambridge University. But he completed only two Prayer Books, and surrendered his lease in 1738. Thwarted at every turn by trade jealousy, he failed in all his attempts to establish a business. "Subsequently Andrew Wilson, the Earl of Stanhope's practical man, starting where Ged left off, worked out the plaster-of-Paris plan that preceded the papier-mâché system, which has established stereotyping in its present position"' (Herbert).

Stereotype edition; 24mo (14 x 8.5 cm); ownership name lettered in gilt to front pastedown below later label, gift inscription in pen to front free endpaper verso, slight spotting; contemporary straight-grained red morocco with 'Cathedral' design in gilt to both covers, spine lettered in gilt, all edges gilt, slightly rubbed with minor loss to corners and extremities, very good.

Cf.Herbert 1670.