Rare 1964 German Catholic Bible – Die Heilige Schrift – Metal Cover, 88 Art Plates, Lucerne
Item Description:
Die Heilige Schrift [The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments] – 1964 Edition
Publisher: Kunstkreis Buchverlag, Lucerne, Switzerland
Language: German
Pages: 1231 (Old Testament) + 359 (New Testament) + 12-page appendix
This stunning deluxe edition of the Holy Scriptures is a collaborative masterpiece between German and Swiss book, music, and art societies. It features a deeply symbolic and ornate metal-bound cover adorned with an elegant silver cross and 12 reliefs of saints, each named and finely detailed. The front also displays embedded semi-precious stones, while the spine shows a grand relief of Jesus Christ. The back cover contains a geometrically engraved cross, completing the sacred aesthetic.
Inside, the Bible contains:
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88 vivid, full-color art reproductions of Biblical scenes
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Illuminated chronicle-style pages
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A portrait of Pope Paul VI
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High-quality typesetting and layout from Swiss printers C.J. Bucher AG and Mengis + Sticher
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Exceptional linen binding under the metal exterior
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Clean, crisp pages with only minor signs of wear
Why You’ll Want This Edition:
This Bible is more than a book — it is a sacred art object, a collectible, and a spiritual heirloom. Designed with reverence and crafted with precision, this 1964 edition was not mass-produced but issued through exclusive cultural clubs in Germany and Switzerland. It represents a fusion of faith, history, and European craftsmanship rarely seen in modern religious publishing. Whether you're a collector, historian, devout reader, or someone seeking a unique gift or display piece, this edition offers a tangible connection to mid-20th-century Catholic tradition.
Historical Background:
The translation work of Professors Vinzenz Hamp, Meinrad Stenzel, and Josef Kürzinger was a major theological achievement in the mid-20th century. Drawing directly from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, their edition became a benchmark in Catholic biblical scholarship. This 1964 printing coincides with the papacy of Paul VI and the Second Vatican Council — a transformative time for the Church. The metal binding and illustrated content reflect both the reverence and richness of the faith during that pivotal era.
Dimensions:
Weight - 5.4KG
Height - 30.5cm
Width - 22cm
Thickness - 8.5cm
Condition:
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Excellent condition overall.
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All pages clean and intact.
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Metal cover slightly tarnished from age.
All semi-precious stone attached.
