Rare Book At UC Merges Traditional Bookmaking With The Digital Age

“As far as printed works go, you could put the Pennyroyal Caxton Bible in the top 10 of the most beautiful books ever printed” – Kevin Grace, head of archives

The University Libraries Archives and Rare Books Library holds a new treasure by the only person to single-handedly design and illustrate the Bible in the 20th century. It’s one of only 400 copies worldwide of the Pennyroyal Caxton Bible, created by artist, engraver and printmaker Barry Moser and completed in 1999.

The two-volume text in hand-stitched binding is laid out on handmade paper lined with 24-karat gold. It features a typeset that was digitally generated through a computer, but then set by hand. Moser’s illustrations were printed from engravings. Kevin Grace, head of archives, says the Moser Bible is an extraordinary example of how traditional and modern bookmaking technologies are brought together.

Grace says the Pennyroyal Caxton Bible is a true gem in the Rare Books Collection that acquires unique and valuable materials for scholars and students.  It is a collection at UC that is used for both teaching and research. Among its holdings are a rich collection of Charles Dickens first editions, 18th century poetry and drama, letters written by D.H. Lawrence, pochoir art books, an array of works by English publisher William Morris and the arts and crafts movement, and rare books on travel and exploration.

Grace says over the past few years, particularly since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, there has been an increased interest from researchers and instructors about how artists relate to sacred texts, so the collection is building examples ranging from the Bible to the Qur’an to Buddhist texts. “Also, the Bible is a written monument to mankind in many ways, so we want to collect the finest example available,” says Grace.

Moser is considered one the most outstanding illustrators and book designers of our time, and the Rare Books Collection holds a wide range of his works created for both adult and child readers. However, Grace says Moser’s creation of the Pennyroyal Caxton Bible (King James version) does not hold the traditional illustrations found in Bible stories that parents share with their children.

“This is not really a Bible for children. The closest example I can give is that it’s akin to the deep brooding version of Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ,’” Grace says. “It was initially criticized for how dark and stern his engravings are, because we’re used to those traditional feel-good Bible illustrations.

“Moser wanted to convey a sense of the history and majesty of the Bible, as well as a sense of real human beings,” says Grace. “Many of the portraits are based on his real-life studies of people and friends. The model he selected for Jesus was his cook. So, it’s a remarkable book, not only for the technology and artistry but because this enterprise of creating a sacred text so important in the affairs of human culture would have been the most challenging experience in his life as an artist.”

Grace says the artistry and design is a milestone in the history of printing. “In terms of the quality of the book and the love and the work that went into it, it’s just extraordinary.”

Located on the eighth floor of Blegen Library, the Archives and Rare Books Library is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.