Finding Aid for the Gutenberg Bible Facsimile

Title
Finding Aid for the Gutenberg Bible Facsimile
extracted text
Gutenberg Bible (facsimile)

Collection Summary
Title
Gutenberg Bible (facsimile)
Date
1962
Extent
2 volumes

Name and Location of Repository
Midwest Genealogy Center, Independence (Mo.)
Reference code: MGC 1030-GBF

Collection History
This two volume facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible was created in 1962. The volumes are printed in Latin;
contain hand-worked illustrations, and gilding. As stated in an article from the International Society of
Bible Collectors, “Each volume of the Bible contains over 1200 pages. The paper for this facsimile was
specially manufactured of 100% rag and each of the four watermarks (the head of an ox, the bunch of
grapes with a loop in the stem, the bunch of grapes with an enlarged stem, and the running ox) are all
reproduced as in the original.” The article further states “The binding is of crushed-grain Bordeauxcolored Morocco leather cut in a single piece for each volume. The gilding is done in genuine 22 carat
gold and old gold style on top, fore-edge, and bottom. The endpapers were made by hand in the old
fashioned manner.”
Mid-Continent Public Library received the two volume set as a donation from the Harry S. Truman
Library and Museum. These volumes were on display at Mid-Continent Public Library’s administrative
headquarters building for a number of years. The volumes were moved to the Midwest Genealogy
Center’s rare book room upon the opening of that branch in 2008. One volume is in a display case in the
Library.

Scope and Content
This collection contains a two volume facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible.

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Gutenberg Bible (facsimile)

Collection Inventory
System of Arrangement
These records are arranged in 1 series.
Series 1, 2 volume facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible

Rights and Access
Conditions Governing Access
Access is restricted; contact the Midwest Genealogy Center for details.
Physical Access
Most records within this collection are housed in the Midwest Genealogy Center’s rare book room.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the Midwest Genealogy Center.
Languages and Scripts of the Material
Materials in the collection are entirely in Latin.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated to the Mid-Continent Public Library by the Harry S. Truman Library and
Museum.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected for this collection.
Existence and Location of Originals
Originals owned by the Midwest Genealogy Center.
Notes
The following sources were consulted during the preparation of the history:
International Society of Bible Collectors. “Meticulous Re-edition of Gutenberg Bible.” Accessed August
29, 2013. http://www.biblecollectors.org/articles/gutenberg_bible.htm.

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Part of Finding Aid for the Gutenberg Bible (facsimile)