The 1795 “Killer Bible” — The Holy Bible, Ornamented with Engravings by James Fittler
$1,950.00
A complete, fine two-volume 1795 London quarto of the King James Bible by Robert Bowyer and Thomas Bensley — the set collectors call the “Killer Bible” for the notorious Mark 7:27 error, here with the offending word corrected by hand in ink. Contemporary straight-grain red morocco, all edges gilt, 63 Old Master engravings by James Fittler.
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A close-up film of the 1795 “Killer Bible” — the red morocco covers, the gilt spines and gilded page edges, the engraved title pages and Old Master plates, and the hand-corrected “killer” verse at Mark 7:27.
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The 1795 “Killer Bible”
A masterpiece of the Georgian fine press. Known to collectors as Fittler’s “Cabinet Bible,” this luxury edition was published in London by Robert Bowyer and printed in the letter-press by Thomas Bensley — one of the greatest fine-press printers of the age, famed for his monumental folio work. Bensley’s crisp Roman type and clean layout represent the height of late-eighteenth-century English book design.
The set is lavishly illustrated with 63 copperplate engravings by James Fittler — engraver to King George III — after celebrated paintings by the European Old Masters, including Rembrandt, Rubens, Albrecht Dürer, Anthony van Dyck, Nicolas Poussin, and Correggio. Each volume opens with an engraved general title, the New Testament carries its own engraved title page, and every biblical book is introduced by its own finely engraved table of contents.
Bibliographic details.
• Title: The Holy Bible, Ornamented with Engravings, by James Fittler, from Celebrated Pictures by Old Masters. The letter-press by Thomas Bensley.
• Imprint: London, published by R. Bowyer, 1795.
• References: Darlow & Moule 961; Herbert 1394.
• Format: two volumes, quarto (approx. 24 × 15 cm).
• Illustrations: 63 engraved plates, including the frontispieces to both volumes; engraved general titles; an engraved New Testament title; and engraved contents to each book.
• Binding: contemporary straight-grain red morocco, spines richly decorated in gilt compartments with gilt board borders, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt (a.e.g.).
Rarity and market note. The 1795 Bowyer–Fittler Bible is scarce to uncommon on the antiquarian market. It is not a high-spot rarity on the level of a 1611 first King James or a 1631 “Wicked Bible,” but a fine-press set that surfaces only a few times a year. The English Short Title Catalogue (ESTC T95050) records three contemporaneous issues: a deluxe large-paper quarto (approx. 31.8 × 24.8 cm), the standard quarto (approx. 24 × 15 cm — matching this copy), and a 1796 twelvemo issued in parts. Complete sets in their original Georgian morocco remain the most collectible form.
Condition report. A complete, well-preserved example in its original Georgian binding. The bindings are rubbed and worn at the extremities, with loss to the lower headbands. Internally, there is a sewing split between gatherings 7K and 7L, though the text block remains sound. The interiors show light toning and some expected spotting and foxing, primarily affecting the engraved plates and adjacent leaves; minor damp-staining to the front margins of Volume I; a small marginal paper repair at leaf 5C4; and occasional early ink and pencil annotations — including the hand-correction at Mark 7:27.
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| Grade | Short definition | Key signs to look for | Typical use / value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine (F) | Virtually as issued; near‑new for its age. | Tight, original binding; clean, unmarked pages; original leather or cloth intact; minimal shelf wear. | Collector quality; commands the highest premium. |
| Very Good (VG) | Light signs of use but well cared for. | Minor rubbing at edges; small scuffs; sound binding; complete text and plates/maps present. | Collectible; desirable but lower premium than Fine. |
| Good (G) | Clearly used; moderate wear and handling signs. | Fading or spine rubbing; light foxing or inscriptions; small tears; structurally sound. | Solid reading copy; modest market value. |
| Fair | Worn but generally complete text block. | Heavy wear to boards; loose hinges; missing endpapers or half‑title; soiling or repairs needed. | Low value; suitable for restoration or rebinding. |
| Poor / Reading Copy | Heavily damaged; often only the text remains usable. | Detached covers; missing pages; severe water/mold damage; heavy foxing or staining. | Reference or restoration only; minimal market value unless content is exceptionally rare. |
Note: Binding condition (original, rebacked, or binding copy) and presence of plates, maps, or family registers significantly affect value. Please look at all photos and read the entire description when evaluating a listing.
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