This 1660 edition of the Bible was published at the restoration of Charles II to the throne. Printed by John Field, printer to the University of Cambridge, this edition was notorious for its textual inaccuracy. However, it was one of John Ogilby’s more splendid publications, using plates by the artist Wenceslaus Hollar. Ogilby was an ardent supporter of Charles II and published several works in the early 1660s in honour of the new king, efforts which earned him the title of king’s printer in 1661.

This copy, complete with a fore-edge painting of Christ on the cross, was bound by Samuel Mearne, bookbinder to Charles II, and may have been one of those bound for the king’s chapel or closet at Whitehall. It was certainly in the collection of George III by 1766 and was one of those selected by the Royal Librarian, Richard Rivington Holmes, in 1893 as a fine example of royal bookbinding.

Binding Information

Bound by Samuel Mearne in black in 'strapwork' style with ribbon effect forming oval compartments, which are filled with foliate tooling, and arabesque shaped compartments, which are filled with volutes. Also featured in the intricate design are foliate sprays and small florals. The spine is divided into seven compartments, with lettering to the second, the others of strapwork design with foliate and volute tooling as per the covers. Book has been rebacked, with the old spine preserved. Foliate tooling to the edges of boards and turn-ins, whilst the gilt fore-edge is elaborated painted to depict Christ on the cross.

The printer's name is on the spine label, possibly contemporary with the binding. If so, this is an early and rare example.