a superb, colossal illustrated bible
BIBLE. The Holy Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments according to the Authorized Version. Illustrated by Modern Artists. Illustrated Bible Society, [1900].
Elephant Folio. Contemporary full black morocco lettered in gilt on spine; titles and text ornament by Walter Crane, including initial letters and head-pieces to each Book and Gospel printed in gold, 2 leaves of Family Register decorated by Crane and unused, 100 plates by various artists, being autotypes engraved and printed by Lemercier and Co., Paris, each with a decorative tissue-guard with a printed caption. Binding a little rubbed, front joint a little tender and with a 3 inch split from the foot, bookplate, a few tissue guards a little chipped and worn with some showing various degrees of loss, a few leaves with minor marginal tears, otherwise a very good copy of an impressive Bible.
A highly ambitious project involving many notable artists. As well as the decorative titles and text ornament, Walter Crane also contributed five of the full-page plates. The other artists include L. Alma Tadema, E. Burne-Jones, F. Dicksee, J.L. Gérome, J. Tissot, P. de Chavannes, J.P. Laurens, I. Repin, E.A. Abbey, M. Liebermann, G. Segantini, D. Morelli, J. Villegas, and J.J. Benjamin Constant. - Contemporary paper clipping with an article reporting on this book project pasted onto initial blank. The headline reads 'The Most Sumptuous Family Bible Ever Published'. The article continues 'Painting and ornamentation alone cost the publishers £18,000'.
Not in COPAC; the V&A has a 'dummy of projected publication containing selections from the Old Testament, Genesis to Hosea; accompanied by portfolio containing publisher's prospectus and sample leaves of text and plates'. - Total weight: over 20kg; hence no free shipping.
#2087522