The Vespiary Book Binding & Book Conservation

Lincoln Bible

Many of you watching the inauguration may have wished for a closer glimpse of the oft-mentioned Lincoln Bible.  Normally held in an undisclosed location by the Library of Congress, it will soon be on display at an exhibit entitled, “And Malice Toward None” that celebrates Lincoln’s 200th birthday starting February 12th.

Many presidents opt to swear in using their family bible, and Lincoln was no exception.  However, since his belongings were still on route to the Capitol, the Clerk of the Supreme Court provided this one published in 1853 by the Oxford University Press.

According to Clark Evans, a Lincoln expert at the LoC, officials were working to ensure the book’s integrity regardless of what Mother Nature had in store.

“Inclement weather will not keep the Lincoln Bible from being used on Jan. 20.”