Henry James, a former Mayor of Rye and author of stories such as Turn of the Screw, resided at Lamb House, now owned by the National Trust.
Book dealer Dr Spencer Rogers (above), who owns Chapter and Verse, recently came into possession of the bible - signed and in excellent condition.
He said: "It came from the Noakes family. John Noakes, was Henry James's manservant and inherited or was given the bible.
"It is in exceptionally good condition. Henry was a regular church-goer and this is the same bible he would have taken with him every Sunday to St Mary's Church in Rye. It is a very personal possession."
Mr Rogers said he would love the bible to stay in Rye, but it may well end up being auctioned in the United States.
He said: "I have contacted the National Trust to see if they are interested in acquiring the bible and keeping it here.
"I am in business, but I have a vested interest in Rye and would like to see the bible stay here. It is upsetting to see things going out of the country."