The Holy Bible: Containing All the Books of the Old and New Testaments
Illustrated and designed by Barry Moser

Gorgeous private press limited edition signed by Moser

North Hatfield, MA & New York: Pennyroyal Caxton Press, 1999. Limited edition. Signed by artist and book designer Barry Moser after the colophon; copy #33 of 400. Complete in two folio volumes, each measuring 16" x 11". Bound in publisher's full vellum over boards, gilt-lettered; housed in linen clam shell cases with printed paper labels. With over 230 engraved illustrations by Moser. The text follows the classic King James, or "Authorized" version of The Bible, first published in 1611. The type is Mathew Carter's Galliard and the composition is by Bradley Hutchinson of Texas. Titles and initials are set in Carter's Mantinia, based on inscriptional forms used by Italian Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna. Three display words were specially commissioned from John Benson. The paper is Zerkall Bible with the watermark of the Pennyroyal Caxton Press. Fine volumes, with typical slight uneveness to vellum color; cases show minor wear. Provenance: from the collection of actor and comedian Robin Williams.


The Pennyroyal Caxton Bible is a magnificent production designed by Barry Moser with his own vivid illustrations in mind. This book ranks among the greatest achievements of twentieth-century fine bookmaking because of its attention to detail, artwork and typography. It is the only Bible of the twentieth century in which both the Old and New Testaments are illustrated by a single artist. Poet John Ashbery wrote of the artist, "Moser's artwork is never less than dazzling, and has an enigmatic profundity that sets it apart." The magnum opus for Moser and Pennyroyal, this surely ranks as one the of the highest points of private press work of the 20th century.