Album with pages from Bibles in various languages pasted in. Neatly printed handwritten captions on opposite pages give the language and geographic distribution.

Accompanied by several leaves from 'The Bible of every land,' first published by Samuel Bagster and Sons in 1848, including a list of languages, two color maps, and specimen pages of languages not included in the original album (perhaps meant to be added later). Manuscript note inside front cover (in another hand): "Bought of a butcher at Raunds for [51-?], who had purchased it in a lot of odd volumes at a farmer's sale. From the unanimous testimony of his family, the writing is in the hand of Mr. Stokes Dudley, formerly one of the District Secretaries of the B. and F. Bible Society. Wm Major Paull, Leamington, June 15th 1877." Binding: Quarter textured brown cloth over black, red, and tan plaid-patterned paper-covered boards; cover has a printed paper label. Accompanied by 7 leaves detached from another publication, originally laid in at back. 1 volume (approximately 66 unnumbered pages): paper; 28 x 23 cm + 7 laid in leaves

Charles Stokes Dudley (September 18, 1780-November 4, 1862) was the eldest son of Mary Stokes Dudley, a Quaker minister. Born and raised in Ireland, Charles went into business in England at the age of 17. He became involved in the British and Foreign Bible Society's Southwark auxiliary in 1810, and spent most of his adult life traveling the country on the Society's behalf, organizing and shepherding other auxiliary branches. In 1821 he wrote 'An analysis of the system of the Bible Society,' a large volume of historical background and guidance on establishing and maintaining auxiliary branches.

The British and Foreign Bible Society was founded in England in 1804 to encourage "wider circulation and use" of the Scriptures. It remains a non-denominational charity organization, dedicated to making the Bible available in all corners of the world.

Transferred to Rare Books P352 D83 1848 4o