The Abingdon Bible Commentary is a War Edition hardcover published by Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, edited by Frederick Carl Eiselen, Edwin Lewis, and David G. Downey, with the complete 1,452-page text reduced in size to meet wartime paper conservation requirements.
This substantial one-volume Bible commentary covers both the Old and New Testaments and was made as a working reference for serious Bible study. This copy has an especially interesting history tucked inside, including the previous owner's handwritten name and address and a bridal shower invitation that was found with the book.
Details
-
Item: Bible commentary reference book
-
Title: The Abingdon Bible Commentary
-
Author: Edited by Frederick Carl Eiselen, Edwin Lewis, and David G. Downey
-
Illustrator: not confirmed from photos
-
Publisher: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, New York and Nashville
-
Publication Year: Wartime printing, circa 1942 to 1945. Copyright 1929
-
Edition and Printing: War Edition. Complete text reduced in size in compliance with orders of the War Production Board for conserving paper and other materials. Exact printing year not confirmed from photos
-
Format and Binding: Blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering and original paperboard slipcase
-
Dust Jacket: No separate dust jacket shown. Original illustrated slipcase is present
-
Pages: 1,452 pages
-
Genre: Biblical commentary, Christian theology and reference
-
Language: English
-
ISBN: None. This edition predates the ISBN system
-
Dimensions: Book approximately 9 1/2 x 6 x 2 1/4 inches. Slipcase approximately 10 x 7 x 3 inches
Condition Grade: Very Good
Positives
-
Graded Very Good: The hardcover book itself is sound, attractive, and in notably good condition despite the much heavier wear to its protective case.
- Blue cloth binding remains clean and presentable with gilt lettering and decorative gilt lines still clearly visible.
- Binding appears secure, and the photographed interior pages are clean, legible, and firmly held.
- The complete 1,452-page text is present according to the provided page count.
- Original War Edition notice is clearly printed on the copyright page.
- Original illustrated slipcase is still present, even though it has substantial wear.
- A bridal shower invitation and related personal paper were found inside and remain with the book.
Issues / Wear
- Previous owner's name and Midland, Michigan address are written in pen on the front endpaper.
- The paperboard slipcase is in poor condition with heavy edge loss, torn and split areas, worn corners, surface loss, and old tape repairs.
- Page edges show age toning.
- The laid-in personal paper includes handwriting and a postal cancellation from Midland, Michigan.
Condition Grade Key
-
Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
-
Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
-
Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
-
Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
The War Edition notice is the detail worth stopping for here. During World War II, publishers reduced paper use and sometimes reduced book size to comply with federal conservation orders.
This is a useful choice for someone building a Bible reference library, studying twentieth-century religious publishing, or collecting books produced under wartime restrictions.
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
1. Photo-verified condition, no surprises
2. Packed with our protective packaging standard
3. Ships in 1 business day
4. Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)
Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40 to 50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
How Reading Vintage sources and grades every book
