American Bible Society Appraisal

King James Version Holy Bible by American Bible Society

This item is identified as a copy of 'The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments,' specifically the King James Version, published by the American Bible Society. The title page prominently states that the text was 'translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared & revised,' and was 'set forth in 1611 and commonly known as the King James Version.' The publisher information at the bottom of the page indicates 'American Bible Society Instituted in the Year 1816 New York.' The item appears to be a softcover or paperback edition, given the visible wear and the way the pages lay. The paper is off-white or cream-colored, suggesting age and possibly a pulp-based material. There is noticeable discoloration, particularly a yellowing around the edges and some lighter brown staining, which are typical signs of age and exposure. A distinct stain on the lower half of the page has a yellowish-brown hue, appearing somewhat amorphous. The top right corner of the page is folded over, creating a triangular crease, suggesting it might have been used as a bookmark or simply suffered from handling. A thin vertical line of print, possibly page numbers or a chapter indicator, is faintly visible along the right margin, partially obscured by the slight curve of the page. The overall condition suggests significant handling, but the text itself remains clearly legible. The printing is in black ink, with various font sizes used for headings and descriptive text. The typography appears utilitarian, designed for readability rather than elaborate aesthetics. Given the 'Instituted in 1816' mark, this bible would have been produced sometime after that date. Without a specific publication date, its style and observable wear place it likely from the mid-to-late 20th century, probably a mass-produced edition given the paper quality and simple presentation. The American Bible Society is known for affordable and accessible bible distributions.