The Holy Bible.

London: George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode,, 1857. Bound in Hampshire silk A standard mid-century Victorian Bible elevated by a delightful handmade covering of patterned silk; the gift inscription to the front free endpaper reads, "Edward N. J. Ridley, June 28th 1858, With Papa & Mama's love, & earnest prayers that God will bless to him the reading of His Holy Word". The recipient, Edward Nicholas Touchet Ridley (1849-1879), was presented with this Bible on his ninth birthday. Edward's father was the Reverend Nicholas James Ridley (1821-1888), vicar of St Thomas, Woolton Hill, Hampshire. It is interesting to speculate that the fabric may have come from the nearby Whitchurch silk mill, some 10 miles south of Woolton Hill on the river Test. Hampshire was known for its silk manufacture and the works at Whitchurch were the last remaining in the county. By the date that this Bible was presented Whitchurch was at a peak of production, employing 150 people (see The Hampshire Antiquary and Naturalist, 1891, Vol. I, p. 36). Sextodecimo (165 x 102 mm). 6 double-page engraved maps. Contemporary black goatskin covered with a red, green, and gold floral heavy silk jacquard wrapper, pale yellow coated endpapers, all edges gilt. 6 double-page engraved maps. Rubbed and slightly faded, a few gatherings proud, textblock a little shaken, light water staining to contents; still, an attractive survival of well-read copy.