Illustrated New Testament from 1970 New American Bible  (1974 Soft Cover) 

•    1970 translation sponsor:           Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 

•    Illustrations:                   American Bible Society 

•    Compiled by:                 The Order of St. Benedict, Inc. 

•    Nihil obstat:                   William G. Heidt, O.S.B., S.T.D.

•    Imprimatur:                    George H. Speltz, D.D., Bishop of St. Cloud dated July 1, 1974 

•    Publisher:            The Liturgical Press   Collegeville, MN    U.S.A.    1974

New Testament (27 books) translated into modern (1970) American English

illustrated by sepia images of historic maps, items, and contemporary photographs.  This presentation copyrighted 1974 by The Order of St. Benedict, Inc. 

Oversized soft-cover designed as coffee table book to be shared in discussion.  iii + 260pp. 

Any publication produced to be distributed or sold to members of the Catholic Church must meet standards and provide assurances required by the Catholic Church.  One assurance is that the information  in the publication does not contradict any position taken by the church.  A Church official must provide a certification called  Nihil obstat (“nothing hinders”) which is a declaration they found no objection that warrants the censoring of this book.   The bishop of the author's diocese or of the place of publication (such as a publishing company) gives the final approval by the declaration known as the Imprimator (“let it be printed”). 

This publication provides those assurances. 

Over-sized soft-cover has intact, complete cover with single crease in spine, also compression crease and nick from storage.  Minor edge-wear yet still with square corners.  Interior is tight, clean, and unmarked.  No ownership markings. 

•    Size:  4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall,      263pp.

•    Condition:  Very Good Soft-cover with complete wraps  –  Always privately owned. 

Copyright 1974.  Text of the New Testament is from the New American Bible (1970), by permission.  The introductory material and illustrations (except for cover) through arrangement with American Bible Society.  Printed in U.S.A.  No Edition/Print-run info found.  No ISBN, LCCN, nor MSR. 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.”  Booksellers need similar word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.  Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates for titles still in print. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).  Usually requires repair to be usable. 

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.