Vintage Thursday: A special gift.

Remember my dear friend "D" who came down here when my Mom passed away. Well, many years ago, when she came back from her travels one summer ( June of 59'), she brought me this bible. It is the most beautiful bible I have ever seen. It's covered with mother of pearl and leather and says on the Licence page...
In terms of the Letters Patent granted by Her late Majesty Queen Victoria to Her Printers for Scotland, and the Instructions issued by her said Majesty in Council, dated Eleventh July Eighteen Hundred and Thirty- nine. I hereby License and authorise Messrs. William Collins Sons and Company Limited, One hundred and forty four Cathedral Street, Glasgow, to print and publish, as by the authority of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second, an Edition of the Holy Bible in Times Ruby Type..., dated at Edinburgh the fourteenth day of April, Nineteen Hundred and Fifty Eight..., and it's signed W. R. Milligan- lord Advocate.
A few of the mother of pearl pieces are missing now but it's still in very good condition.

The illustrations are just wonderful and there are maps of the holy land in the back. I have taken good care of this bible for 50 years and it's one of my prized possessions. "D" brought it back from Jerusalem and told me that it had been blessed on Jesus' tomb. I remember thinking, at the time, that this was very cool.
I always wonder if some of these many bibles that were written in different languages lost some meaning in translation and I have my doubts about the accuracy of them, as a whole, but something that has lasted for 2000 years can't be completely dismissed and it's a fascination to me that each translation can still be so interesting.
I'm sure there is an argument for and against every interpretation. To me this small bible represents more than a history of a people that lived 2000 years ago; it's also speaks of life, struggle, belief and faith in something much larger than any of us understand and yet something as fundamental as a friendship that has weathered time..., and the need for connections , memories and love. To me , this beautiful little bible is filled with the "holiness" of each life that has been touched by it and in that respect..., it's invaluable.

Please stop by Colorado Lady's blog for more vintage things. If you like "Vintage", you'll love the list of blogs that have something to show you.