Apocryphal/ Deuterocanonical books
An influential group of ancient writings increasingly studied as aids and additions to the accepted canon of Scripture.
Art-gilt edges
A decorative finish to the page edges in which a red dye and gilt foil combine to add richness and lustre to the finished volume.
Bible paper
Thicker than India paper, but still much thinner than common book papers.
Concordance
An alphabetical list of key words that can be used for locating a Bible quotation or identifying related material. It catalogues the places in the text where significant words may be found, with their chapter and verse.
Cross-references
A system by which verses which have a similar wording or theme are linked throughout the Bible. They may be located in the centre of the page or at the margin.
Dictionary
Short histories of biblical characters, as well as explanations of terms and background information, usually presented in alphabetical order.
family recordFamily record
A decorated page bound into a Bible or prayer book on which the owner can record births, deaths, marriages and other significant family events.
Gilt edges
A decorative finishing style in which a gold-coloured metallic foil is applied to the edges of the pages after they have been cut and rubbed smooth. Silver foil is often applied to the page edges of volumes bound in white. See also art-gilt edges.
Gilt line
A plain gold line or 'frame' on the inside covers.
India paper
The paper traditionally used for the best quality Bibles. The name is now generally used for papers that weigh less than 30 grammes per square metre ('20lb' paper in the USA.)
Presentation page
A decorated page bound into a Bible or prayer book on which may be inscribed the name of the giver of the book, the name of the recipient and the date of the gift.
Pronunciation marks
Some Bible texts incorporate a phonetic system for indicating the way difficult names should be pronounced, showing the vowel sounds and stressed syllables, as in a dictionary. These volumes are sometimes called 'self-pronouncing'.
Reference Edition
A Bible that includes cross-references to guide the reader to other parts of the Bible where similar subjects are treated. Footnotes also give variant readings of the text. Reference editions often include a concordance, maps and other study material.
Text Edition
A Bible in which the text only is provided, without cross-references.
Thumb Index
Thumb indexed editions have semi-circular cuts made by hand in the outer margins of the pages. The abbreviated names of the books of the Bible are stamped on small tabs, which are firmly glued on to the first page of the individual books, to enable the reader to find the page quickly.
Zip fastener
A zip sewn into the edge of the cover that may be closed to protect the gilt edges.
Goatskin
A beautiful and very durable top-quality, natural grain leather. Strong yet supple, it is used for the finest bindings. Traditionally known as Morocco leather.
Calfskin leather
A traditional high-quality leather used in fine bindings. It is long-lasting and its suppleness increases with use. Cambridge calfskin bindings use only top-grain leather.
French Morocco leather
Leather taken from a split calfskin, slightly thinner than other grades and therefore flexible and soft even when new. A French Morocco binding offers high-quality real leather at an economical price.
Bonded leather
Cambridge uses only bonded leather which is made from 100% real leather fibre, reconstituted with a strong resin bonding. That is simply the best quality bonded leather available – supple, handsome and durable.
Bible Imitation leather
A less expensive material that has a good resemblance to real leather. It has an attractive feel is easily cleaned.
Berkshire leather
A term for pigskin — the material most commonly used in bookbinding when 'genuine leather' is the description used.
Most Cambridge leather-bound Bibles have flexible covers. Some of the larger Bibles — those described as 'over boards' – have a rigid cover.
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