Customer Reviews

Lincoln/Obama Inaugural Bible Collection

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first heard of this item, I was somewhat confused - who would want to buy a bible replica considering how you can buy a bible pretty easily? However, this set is actually an interesting gift idea of political junkies, particularly (though not exclusively) liberals. In addition to the bible (which looks beautiful), the set also comes with other inauguration paraphernalia. Unlike the silly refrigerator magnets and t-shirts, this set is actually a pretty nice memorabilia to celebrate American history. Check out the video on Amazon.com for more. However, I honestly don't know if it's worth the price - $63 on Amazon. It seems a bit steep to me. This set might have been a more popular gift idea a year ago than now - or for a hardcore Obamaphile.

First, let me say that unlike most of the other reviewers for this item, I actually purchased it myself. And while I am a supporter of our President, the main reason that I bought it is that I am a book collector, especially of bibles. From that basis, this is an outstanding item and I cannot recommend it highly enough. What is inexplicable to me is that, for whatever reason, and having gone to the all trouble to create this facsimile, Amazon has done a very poor job of marketing it. For example, they do not indicate that the facsimile of the bible is exact, meaning that not only is the book reproduced, but also the handwriting on the original. This includes the certification on the back of the book by the clerk of the Supreme Court, William Thomas Carroll, who purchased the original bible for use in the Lincoln inaugural, complete with the seal of the Supreme Court--and note that the facsimile has an actual seal, not a picture of one. As indicated in other reviews, the bible is also beautiful in its own right, with a real velvet book cover and extremely shiny gilding on all sides.
Also included in the set are the various inaugural memorabilia, notably the official invitation and program--and these appear to actually be originals of these documents, not reproductions, which makes them highly collectible in their own right, let alone when included in such a finely produced set. The box that the set is placed in is of very high quality too, with the Presidential Seal in gold and covered in cloth in the official White House blue color. The other books and items in the set are also very worthwhile, especially the little booklet that includes the text of the inaugural addresses of both Presidents' Lincoln and Obama.
In short, this set is a collector's dream. It is astonishing to me that the set is sold at the price that it is given the trouble and expense it must have taken Amazon and the Library of Congress to produce such a high quality facsimile. One final note: among the handwriting on the front of the bible is what appears to be the price that William Thomas Carroll paid in 1861, which was the then considerable sum of $7. Now $7 in 1861 dollars is equivalent (according to an inflation calculator I consulted) of about $170 in 2010 dollars. Compare that to the price of this set to judge how good a value it represents!

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I opened this package. I knew it contained a replica of the Lincoln/Obama Inaugural Bible, but the product description was a little sketchy in terms of what this actually looked and felt like. But now that I've had a chance to handle and read this extraordinary bit of historically correct ephemera, I have to say it far exceeded my expectations.

What you get:

--A gorgeous blue felt "clamshell" style box with the Presidential seal on the cover embossed in gold.

--An replica of the Lincoln Inaugural Bible. It's 1200+ pages long, and smaller in width and length than a paperback (but much thicker). The Bible includes a beautiful gold clasp to keep it closed when not in used.

--A souvenir pack of 2009 Inauguration stuff, which includes replicas of an invitation, photos, and programs from various events.

--A medium-sized book of information about Lincoln and Obama, including both men's inaugural addresses.

--A copy of the Emancipation Proclamation plus additional versions from that era.

Although I was originally skeptical about the price of this set, I am most impressed with what you get for the asking price. This is a beautifully produced piece of history, and it will be a valued part of our family collection for generations to come.

Amazon had this set priced at $4.50 brand new. Great product and worth every cent and more. This really is a beautiful set and I still cant get over the price. I see the deal is no longer available and that's no surprise.

Great deal and wonderful set.

I first saw this on another site for a little over $50 and decided to check my favorite online store before buying it. Amazon's price is a little over $80, but several sellers have it for under $10. I don't know why there is such a wide price range, but I got it from one of the other sellers and when it came I was blown away. The quality is excellent; it is nicely presented, and comes with other items from history. A remarkable collection at a remarkable price! I immediately bought a second one so I can have one to enjoy and one to keep for posterity. I have no idea why they are selling so cheap, but I would advise anyone to get one now before they are gone, you will not be sorry. Even if you are a conservative this is a nice item to have.

This is a great keepsake for everyone. The presentation is beautiful. It commerates a great piece of American history in the election of Barack Obama as the first black President of the United
States of America. The bible encased in the clamshell case is very beaytuful. This makes a great gift for anyone, whether they are politically inclined or not. It is a stunning work of collectibale material. It also contains pictures and programs and points of intrest of the Inaguration. It represents a great piece of history and is something you will want to display and show your kids and grandkids for generations to come. I highly recommend this as a great keepsake or as a gift to share with others.

This is absolutely the best item that Amazon has ever had. I bought the maximum allowed for purchase and have given to special people in my life along with Ministers in Florida. They loved them. Thank you Amazon.

The enclosed Bible is more than attractive; in fact, it's absolutely lovely. The included documents are also interesting, but I'm not a collector of such memorabilia. I have a friend who is, however, and I'll let him add this to his collection. So, in essence, to my mind, this is a collector's item of interest, but certainly not to everyone's taste. There are typos in some of the documents, but I don't see where one would have any complaints about the Bible; as I stated earlier, it is absolutely lovely-- and worth owning by itself. Overall, except for the Bible, the whole presentation is somewhat too superficial for my taste. Seems like sort of an afterthought. And I would guess that it was.

Lincoln/Obama Inaugural Bible Collection

As an African-American witnessing an era in our countries history, comparable to the abolishment of slavery.

I am ecstatic to have this opportunity to obtain a replica of the bible used by President Obama and Lincoln to take the oath of office.

This set is an Obama supporter's dream. It is astonishing to me that the set is sold at the price that it is, given the trouble and expense it must have taken Amazon and the Library of Congress to produce such a high quality facsimile.

The Lincoln/Obama Inaugural Bible Collection is outstanding; this is a wonderful gift, full of sentimental value. I would recommend it highly to all seeking an amazing keep sake.

I was blown away by the replica of the Lincoln bible included in this set. The quality of the item is easily worth more than the price. With pictures and replicas of the invitation, it makes owners feel like an invited guest. This historical item is certain to increase in value over time. It makes a great gift for the democrat in your life, particularly when repulican friends visit.