Cyclopaedia Bibliographica: a Library Manual of Theological and General Literature, and Guide to Books for Authors, Preachers, Students, and Literary Men. Subjects. Holy Scriptures

Published in London during the mid-19th century, the Cyclopaedia Bibliographica was the ambitious project of James Darling, a prominent bookseller and publisher who operated from his shop in Great Queen Street. Darling intended this monumental reference work to serve as a comprehensive guide for clergy, students, and scholars, systematically organizing the vast body of theological literature available at the time. By focusing on subject classification, particularly regarding the Holy Scriptures, he aimed to curate the fragmented information of the era into a structured library manual that could navigate the immense proliferation of religious publishing.

The design of the work reflects the Victorian dedication to encyclopedic categorization. Darling approached the curation with a methodical focus, meticulously indexing commentaries and sermons to ensure that those seeking specific theological insights could locate primary and secondary sources with precision. While the work was recognized for its immense utility by contemporary scholars and librarians, it stands today as a significant artifact of Victorian bibliographical history, illustrating the period's obsession with order and the intellectual rigor expected of professional men of letters.