Purchase a Reproduction

The Jefferson Bible, Smithsonian Edition, a full-color facsimile created from high-resolution digital photographs of recently conserved and rebound pages, includes all four languages and Jefferson's handwritten notes. No other edition so clearly provides a window into the mind of its maker.

An introduction by Smithsonian curators Harry R. Rubenstein and Barbara Clark Smith explains Jefferson's intentions in creating the volume and the ways that his endeavor reflected his Enlightenment ideals and Revolutionary spirit. Smithsonian conservator Janice Stagnitto Ellis's essay on conservation reveals surprising insights into how Jefferson crafted the book so precisely. Faithful to the unique artifact so painstakingly created by Thomas Jefferson himself, The Jefferson Bible, Smithsonian Edition makes the thoughts of a great American mind accessible for generations to come. 208 pages, full color reproduction of the original Jefferson Bible containing 4 languages.

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The cover of The Life and Morals, Smithsonian Edition

News

Conservation Blog Post: Disbinding Blog Post

It is difficult to describe how one faces the prospect of taking apart a national treasure. Of course, in order to reach the level of craftsmanship required, there are years of education and practice required, but that doesn't begin to fully describe it.

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All About Stubs Video

Book conservators always want to know how a book was bound. Before you can even think about how to fix something, you first have to know how it was made.

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History

Portrait of Thomas Jefferson
"I am of a sect by myself, as far
as I know." — Thomas Jefferson, 1819

Conservation

Separating pages
Removing the stubs
Resewing

Purchase a Copy

The Jefferson Bible, Smithsonian Edition, is a full-color facsimile created from high-resolution digital photographs of recently conserved and rebound pages.

Continue reading...