Cheap Bibles

The cheap Bibles of nineteenth-century Britain were read in millions of homes, and were also potent symbols of national virtue. In an age of social ferment, cheap Bibles - most published by the British and Foreign Bible Society - represented both the promise of mass literacy and the benefits of industrialisation. This book, based on correspondence and other archival records, tells the story of the BFBS from two perspectives: its place in the history of publishing and printing and in contemporary society. The BFBS, founded in 1804, grew out of the evangelical revival and became a popular crusade. ‘Ladies Bible Associations’ sprang up to supply the poor with cheap Bibles and contribute to the production of Bibles in foreign languages for the salvation of souls abroad. To meet the growing demand the Society experimented with new technologies including stereotyping, machine printing and bookbinding, and a unique distribution system.

• The only available study of the role of the immensely influential British and Foreign Bible Society • An illuminating study in Victorian social history as well as the history of publishing and printing • Charts the rise of Bible-distribution as a popular evangelical crusade

Preface; Sources and acknowledgments; 1. Saints in publishing; 2. A Bible translation, 1804–1840; 3. The BFBS and English printers, 1804–1864; 4. The BFBS and London bookbinders, 1811–1864; 5. The BFBS and bookselling, 1804–1864; 6. The transaction renewed, 1850s and 60s; Epilogue; Appendix; Select book list; Notes.