Cambridge Press Celebrates 100 Years of the Iconic Cameo Bible Edition

Cambridge University Press Celebrates 100 Years of Iconic Cameo Bible

In an era where digital content often overshadows print, Cambridge University Press is proudly celebrating a century of its esteemed Cameo Bible, first published in 1925. To commemorate this milestone, a special Centenary Edition has been crafted, showcasing the enduring appeal of this historic Bible.

The new edition features a luxurious golden brown aniline calfskin leather cover, which is vegetable-tanned in a traditional manner to maintain its natural beauty. Over time, each Bible is expected to develop a unique patina, reflecting its journey and the hands that have cherished it.

Bob Groser, Director of Cambridge’s Bible team and a seasoned publishing professional since 1994, remarked, “Something special about working in Bibles publishing is that the books we print are typically treasured by our customers. People often reach out to us to share their thanks and their personal stories about their Cambridge Bibles, and many who buy Bibles from the Press hope to pass them down through generations of their family. Cambridge takes pride in publishing exceptionally high-quality Bibles – and it’s a pleasure to see them treasured by people worldwide.”

Initially crafted for the North American market, the Cameo Bible was a significant investment at the time, costing £2,297, which is approximately £130,000 today. Its name is inspired by the ‘cameo’ jewellery, a tradition of naming Bible designs after precious stones, and reflects its convenient, portable format.

As a reference Bible, it includes cross-references and additional resources such as dictionaries and maps, all presented in a two-column layout. The text is set in the Clarendon typeface, known for its bold and elegant design, famously used in Old Wild West “Wanted: Dead or Alive” posters.

Cambridge’s unique role as the King’s Printer enhances the legacy of the Cameo Bible. During the recent coronation of King Charles, Cambridge Press’s Publishing and Brand Manager, Abigail Syed, noted the creation of a special ‘Coronation Bible’. “For the coronation, we prepared a special ‘Coronation Bible’ that was hugely popular, selling out in just a few weeks. The Coronation Bible used the Cameo text image and featured a booklet about the royal event and the royals’ association with Cambridge. The Press notably holds the Royal Letters Patent, making it the King’s Printer, which administers the rights of the KJV and Book of Common Prayer on behalf of the Crown, as well as being responsible for publishing orders of service on certain special occasions.”