The famous and very beautiful and
attractive large family Bible of the 1880ies and 1890ies were sold
by sales representatives who would literally go 'door-to-door' so
offer these Bibles. They would carry with them a 'Bible Sampler': a
book with examples of the covers, spines and some of the contents of the various
styles and options for Bibles offered by this particular publisher.
These Bibles would vary in price
from about $4.50-5 for the 'cheapest' one to about $15 or even $18 for
the most exquisite and extensively 'loaded' Bibles. Also the quality
and decorations of the covers would be more extensive and expensive
as the price would increase. For an extra $0.75 to $1.00 per clasp
the customer could choose to add one or two of the closing clasps
(usually in brass or silver) to 'close' the Bible.
The Salesman Bible Sampler would
also contain small notes with additional instructions or background
information for the salesman to share with the customer and off
course one or more pricelist.
In the Salesman Bible Sampler
(at the end) would be a set of pages, the so called subscription
list, where Bible Salesman would write down the names and addresses
of each customer who ordered a Bible plus the choices he or she
would make about the various options for the Bible.
Even though one will find the names of many
different publishers in these antique folio sized family Bibles, the
vast majority of these Bibles were printed by A.J. Holman in
Philadelphia. The name of the publisher mentioned on the title page
is often more the local representative (or perhaps even franchise)
that actually sold the Bible. A Holman Bible can always be
recognized by 'the Light of the World' trademark that is often found
on the title page.
It is important to realize that these Salesman Bibles were
VERY heavily used. The Salesman went house by house and the
Bible Sampler was opened and used continuously. Therefore most
of the Salesman Bibles that have survived this period are in a
fairly shape. It is extremely rare to find one of these Samplers
in a Very Good or better condition.
Another noteworthy
observation is that most Salesman Bibles not only offer a
collection of English language Bibles but also almost always one
or more Bibles in at least one other European language (mostly
German)
Various sections of examples of Bibles in the
Salesman Bible Sampler
Information slip for the Bible Salesman
A note on the quality of
our Antique Bibles:
We take great pride in the quality
of the Bibles we offer. We cannot replace missing
pages or undo water damage and so on, but we do make
sure that the binding of the pages as well as the
covers is in good (daily) useable condition.
Therefore most Bibles go through a restoration
process where the spines are cleaned of old failing
adhesive and loose pages or broken signatures are
restored/replaced. Old spine leather is reinforced
or replaced and spine reinforcement is applied with
new headbands and the cover hinge is extra
re-enforced. Also the cover leather is cleaned and
treated and if applicable the clasps are cleaned and
restored. This is not just a patch job! This process
brings the strength of the book back to its original
quality!
A
Salesman "The Standard Comparative Edition of the Illustrated
New testament with notes" Sample book as used by salesmen/agents
for O.A. Browning & Co from Toledo, Ohio, for door-to-door
offering and sales, dating from ca. 1882
This New Testament Salesman Bible Sampler book offers examples of
different styles for the English language Comparative Edition of the
Illustrated New Testament. Ranged in pricing from $3.75 for the "extra
fine English cloth" version (No. 1) through $6.25 for the "French
Morocco" version (No. 5). Examples of contents, covers and
spines are all included in this interesting sampler.
The binding is fairly tight but (as always) handle with care. This
Sampler seems complete.
There is wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. Page are quite clean, no writings. Also included are the
(not written on) subscription pages. Quite attractive New Testament
sampler ..more
A complete and comprehensive
Salesman Pictorial Parallel-Column Family Bible Sampler as used by salesmen/agents
for D.D. Darrow &Co. (A.J. Holman was the actual
printer of most large family Bibles of those days having many other
companies/representatives selling their Bibles under other
publisher's name as well) dating from 1880ies.
This Salesman Bible Sampler
offers examples of 6 different styles for the English language 'New Pictorial
Parallel Family Bible' ranging in pricing from $5.00 for the "Arabesque
Leather" version (No. 1) through $15.00 for the "German Morocco" version (No.
6). Examples of
contents, covers and spines are all included in this VERY extensive
sampler.
In this Salesman Bible, this
Bible is also offered in the German language ("Die Neue
Illustrirte Heilige Schrift"), offered in 6 styles), including
examples of this version.
Just about all of the special
'pink' and 'yellow' slips with instructions/information for the
salesman are still included.
The binding is holding well (not restored, so handle with care).
This Sampler is complete, even almost all of the salesman
instruction slips/notes are still present and attached. Few somewhat
loose pages in the beginning. There is NO writing.
Preserved gold embossing on the edges of the covers. There is some
wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the leather. A very
nice salesman Bible.. ...more
A remarkably well preserved
Salesman Parallel - Column Edition Bible Sampler as used by salesmen
for the Globe Bible Publishing Company of Philadelphia dating from
likely the mid 188ies for its Parallel Bibles. Parallel Bibles
presented both the King James Version as well as the Revised Version
in parallel columns next to each other.
Like with most Bibles of these
years, the mentioned published was just a representative for the A.J.
Holman company who actually printed these Bibles.
This Salesman Bible Sampler
offers examples of 6 different styles for the 'New Pictorial Globe
Parallel Bible' ranged in pricing from $3.75 for the "Arabesque
Leather" version (No. 1) through $15.00 for the "Bound in German
Morocco, Super-Extra Finish" version (No. 6). Globe Publishing also
offered these same Bible versions in the German language for the
same price and the Sampler contains various examples of the German
versions as well.
The (original) binding is still holding, however open and use
carefully as some of the pages are starting to come lose. This
Sampler is very complete, even almost all of the salesman
instruction slips/notes are still present and attached. There is NO writing.
Still retains most of the gold embossing on the edges of the covers.
There is some wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. This Salesman Bible Sampler is about as good as
is possibly preserved from this era. ...more
An amazing complete and comprehensive
Salesman Family Bible Sampler as used by salesmen/agents
for B.F. Johnson & Co in Richmond (A.J. Holman was the actual
printer of most large family Bibles of those days having many other
companies/representatives selling their Bibles under other
publisher's name as well) dating from 1880ies.
This Salesman Bible Sampler
offers examples of 11 different styles for the English language 'New
Standard Family Bible' ranging in pricing from $3.50 for the "Arabesque
Panel" version (No. 0) through $22.00 for the "Parallel German Morocco" version (No.
11). Examples of
contents, covers and spines are all included in this VERY extensive
sampler.
Just about all of the special
'pink' and 'yellow' slips with instructions/information for the
salesman are still included.
This
Salesman Bible is in a VERY GOOD and COMPLETE condition. The
binding is sound (as always handle with care). This Sampler is complete, even almost all of the salesman instruction slips/notes
are still present and attached. Some, but limited writing.
Preserved gold embossing on the edges of the covers. There is some
wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the leather. See
the many pictures.
An EXTENSIVE and PRISTINE
Salesman "New Pictorial Parallel Family Bible" Sampler as used by salesmen/agents
for McCurdy & Co. (agents for A.J. Holman of Philadelphia) dating
from the 1880ies.
This Salesman Bible Sampler
offers examples of 6 different styles for the English language 'Parallel
Family Bible' ranged in pricing from $5.00 for the "Arabesque
Leather" version (No. 1) through $10.50 for the "German Morocco,
Super-Extra Finish" version (No. 6). Examples of
contents, covers and spines are all included in this extensive
sampler. Also
offered are similar Bible versions in the German language for a price
range of $7.00 (No. 2) to $15.00 (No. 6) and the Sampler contains various examples of the German
versions as well.
There are also pricelists and
subscribers pages included plus many instruction notes for the
salesmen.
The binding is sound and allows for daily use. This Sampler is very
complete, even almost all of the salesman instruction slips/notes
are still present and attached. There is NO writing.
Preserved gold embossing on the edges of the covers.
There is some wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. There is a stain and some tears on the first
pages. A very attractive Salesman Bible!. ...more
A nice and attractive
Salesman "Pictorial Family Bible" Sample book as used by salesmen/agents
for P.W. Ziegler & Co. of Philadelphia and Chicago for door-to-door
offering and sales, dating from 1880ies.
This Salesman Bible Sampler book offers examples of
5 different styles for the English language 'Pictorial
Family Bible' ("the Best in the Field") Ranged in pricing from $5.00 for the "Arabesque
Leather, Marbled Edges" version (No. 1) through $13.00 for the "Magnificently
Bound in Extra Fine Morocco, Full Gilt Sides, Raised Panels" version (No.
5). Examples of
contents, covers and spines are all included in this extensive
sampler. For an extra 25 cents any of the above styles "will
be furnished with the Old Version and the Revised Version of the New
Testament in parallel Columns". Ziegler also
offered the same Bible versions in the German language for the same prices
ranging of $5.00 (No. 1) to $13.00 (Style 5) and the Sampler contains various examples of the German
versions as well.
There are also pricelists and
subscribers pages (some filled out, including 2 'testimonies' from
local pastors!) included plus many instruction notes for the
salesmen.
The binding is holding well and allows for regular use and study
with care (as always with these old books). This Sampler seems
complete, even many of the salesman instruction slips/notes are
still present and attached. There is NO writing (except
for the subscription pages).
There is wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. Some rough pages, an
occasional tear and other small damages throughout. Still, quite an attractive piece of end
of 19th century Bible history! ...more
A very fine example of an 1880ies
Salesman Pictorial Family Bible Sampler as used by salesmen/agents
for the U.S.B. Publishing Company (A.J. Holman was the actual
printer of most large family Bibles of those days having many other
companies/representatives selling their Bibles under other
publisher's name as well) dating from the early 1890ies.
This Salesman Bible Sampler
offers examples of 10 different styles for the English language 'containing
the Old and New Versions in Parallel Columns' ranged in pricing from $4.25 for the "Arabesque" version (No.
3) through $15.00 for the "Genuine Turkey Morocco" version (No.
12). Examples of
contents, covers and spines are all included in this beautiful
sampler.
In this Salesman Bible, this
Bible is also offered in the German language ("The New
Illustrated German Bible"). The Sampler contains various examples of this German
language version as well.
A number of the special 'pink'
slips with instructions/information for the salesman are still
included.
The binding has been restored, is sound and allows for daily use
without any concerns. This Sampler is very complete, even a number
of the salesman instruction slips/notes are still present and
attached. There is NO writing.
Preserved gold embossing on the edges of the covers.
There is some wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. An attractive Salesman Bible. ...more
A rather unique
Salesman Sample Book used by salesmen to go door to door to offer
families the various options and variations when purchasing the
(Dore illustrated) "Bible Stories for Children", as published by B.B.,
Russell in Boston. Many full page (color) engravings. Cloth cover
showing the spine of the actual book on the back. In the book
various examples of stories, illustrations, additional background
information and even an order register in the back.
Binding is holding well, covers well attached but the spine is
partly loose. The pages are clear and clean. Noticed one page with a
tear. See pictures - a rather unique 'relic' of the past and quite
representative of the Bible/book selling of the end of the 19th
century....more
details ...
A 'loaded' and almost
PRISTINE
Salesman Self-Pronouncing Pictorial Family Bible Sampler as used by salesmen/agents
for the National Publishing Company (A.J. Holman was the actual
printer of most large family Bibles of those days having many other
companies/representatives selling their Bibles under other
publisher's name as well) dating from the early 1890ies.
This Salesman Bible Sampler
offers examples of 10 different styles for the English language 'containing
the Old and New Versions in Parallel Columns' ranged in pricing from $6.00 for the "American
Morocco" version (No. 1P) through $15.00 for the "Superfine
German Morocco" version (No. 8P). Examples of
contents, covers and spines are all included in this beautiful
sampler.
In this Salesman Bible, this
Bible is also offered in the German language ("The most
complete German Bible Ever Published", also offered in 10 styles) AND Swedish
(5 styles) AND Dano-Norwegian (6 styles). The Sampler contains various examples of the German
and both Scandinavian language versions as well.
The majority of the special
'pink' slips with instructions/information for the salesman are
still included. Also this sampler has a number of BEAUTIFUL and VERY
EXCEPTIONAL
chromolithographs (color engravings)
The binding has been restored, is sound and allows for daily use
without any concerns. This Sampler is very complete, even most of
the salesman instruction slips/notes are still present and attached. There is NO writing.
Preserved gold embossing on the edges of the covers.
There is some wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. A few (water) stains towards the back. An EXCEPTIONAL piece of history! ...more
A LOADED and nicely preserved
Salesman Pictorial Family Bibles Sampler as used by salesmen/agents
for A.J. Holman of Philadelphia (so this sampler was for agents of
the Holman publishing company itself - Holman was the actual printer
of most large family Bibles of those days having many other
companies/representatives selling their Bibles under other
publisher's name as well) dating from
1892/the 1890ies period.
This Salesman Bible Sampler
offers examples of numerous different styles for the English and
German language 'Pictorial Family Bible' Examples of contents,
covers and spines are all included in this extensive sampler,
including also many full page color lithographs and Gustave Dore
engravings plus examples of the many, many other features, essays
and illustrations offered in Holman's family Bible.
There are also pricelists and
subscribers pages included plus many of the original inserted instruction notes for the
salesmen are still present.
The binding is original and still is sound but use (as always) with
care. This Sampler is very complete, even almost all of the salesman
instruction slips/notes are still present and attached. There
is NO writing. Preserved gold embossing on the edges of the covers.
There is some wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. Few rough pages in the beginning and an occasional tear
throughout. A very attractive piece of Bible salesman history
...more
A
Salesman "Self-Pronouncing Edition Holy Bible" Sample book as used by salesmen/agents
for Hertel, Jenkings & Co from Atlanta, Georgia, for door-to-door
offering and sales, dating from 1890ies.
This Salesman Bible Sampler book offers examples of
different styles for the English language Combination Edition of the
Self-Pronouncing Family Bibles, Ranged in pricing from $5.50 for the "cheapest
combination Bible ever sold" version (No. 00P) through $11.00 for the "Pastoral
Bible" version (Style E.C.). Examples of contents, covers and
spines are all included in this interesting sampler.
The binding is fairly tight but the covers are somewhat loose, some
of the pages are also loose in the front. This Sampler seems
complete.
There is wear to the edges of the covers and areas on the
leather. Some rough pages, an
occasional tear, some writing in the front, damp staining and other small damages throughout. Still, quite an attractive piece of end
of 19th century Bible history! ..more
ABOUT US:
Through this store, orders can be placed using any major credit card,
via PayPal, GOOGLE check-out or by mailing a check/money order. If you prefer you can
also call us at 360-631-9081 to order a Bible. We
give a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all purchases - if you do not
like for any reason, just send it back and we'll refund your money. If you have a question, or just want to give us feedback, please
u Send us an E-mail
SHIPPING: (You can select your shipping options during
check-out)
All US shipping is free via USPS media mail. We try
to ship the same day of your order and on average it will take 1-2
weeks for your Bible to arrive. You can select priority mail during
check-out for a 2-3 day delivery. We can also ship expedited and even
overnight, please
call us (360-631-9081) or e-mail us for questions or prices
All international orders are shipped USPS air mail
Example of a cover found in the Salesman Bible
the Lord's prayer
When describing our
Bibles we use the following definitions for
conditions:
*
EXCELLENT - not used very often, as this denotes a very,
very good book - in "as new" condition. * VERY GOOD -
no major faults but it is not perfect. * GOOD - below
the condition of Very Good with faults that are listed in the
description. * FAIR - the book will be looking quite tired & have quite a
bad problem that is listed in the description. * POOR - this
book has a major fault(s) that is described & possibly
rather mangled.
As
the end neared for the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), within
Parliament a draft is drawn up under an Act of Parliament for the sole
purpose of a new version of the Bible: "An
act for the reducing of diversities of bibles now extant in the English
tongue to one settled vulgar translated from the original."
The resulting (Authorized) King James Version is an English
translation of the Bible from the original languages (Hebrew and Greek)
begun in 1604 and first published in 1611 by the Church of England. No book has had greater
influence on the English language or on the English character. For the
next three hundred years the majority of English men and women heard it
read aloud Sunday after Sunday and, until within living memory, a very
large proportion of people read the Bible with steady, life-long
devotion in their own homes. And this great quality was carried to
America, where its influence has hardly been less. All antique family
Bibles published before 1881 are exclusively in the Authorized or King
James translation.
The Revised Version (or English Revised Version) of the Bible is a late 19th-century British revision of the King James Version of 1611. The New Testament was published in 1881, the Old Testament in 1885, and the Apocrypha in 1894.
The stated aim of the RV's translators was "to adapt
the King James' version to the present state of the English language without changing the idiom and vocabulary," and "to adapt it to the present standard of Biblical scholarship." Further, it was to be "the best version possible in the nineteenth century, as King James' version was the best which could be made in the seventeenth century." To those ends, the Greek text used to translate the New Testament was believed by some to be of higher reliability than the Textus Receptus used for the
KJV.
At the time of the RV's publication, the nearly 300-year old King James Version was still the only viable English Bible in Victorian England. The RV, therefore, is regarded as the forerunner of the entire modern translation tradition. Other important enhancements introduced in the RV include arrangement of the text into paragraphs, printing Old Testament poetry in indented poetic lines (rather than as prose), and the inclusion of marginal notes to alert the reader to variations in wording in ancient manuscripts.
In the United States, the RV was adapted as the Revised Version, Standard American Edition (better known as the American Standard Version) in 1901.
Prepared
to Answer(December 2007)follows
the personal odyssey of a man of science as he journeys from skepticism to
belief as a man of faith.Logic,
science, and history are no longer barriers but become bridges as doubt is
transformed into confidence.Scrutinize
the evidence that compels the verdict that Christian faith rests upon truth
and fact, not legend and myth. Prepared
to Answer
is a 448-page no-holds-barred book that examines five crucial questions:
Listen at home, in your car,
or during other activities to the unabridged (17+ hour) audio version,
read by the author.
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