$420.00
Antique chromolithograph book entitled MAXIMS & PRECEPTS OF THE SAVIOUR, illuminated by Henry Noel Humphreys (see history below), 1848, London: Longman & Co. The following description was obtained from The University of Adelaide Library’s online catalog. The notes indicate alterations made during professional restoration to the copy offered here before I acquired it. Stunning and elaborate illustrations in the style of Medieval illuminated manuscripts.
“Black Morocco leather over heavy wooden (probably oak) beveled boards. Hand-tooled gold border to front and rear cover encapsulating a papier-mâché style decorative overlay. Cover panel (probably card) is stamped in relief with ornate decorations and hand-colored in red, green, blue, grey, black and gold. Title blocked on cover [front and back] in both upper and lowercase letters and in gold and relief. Spine title blocked in gold with decorative debossed ornamentation at head and tail (NOTE: the leather spine on this book is a replacement). Intricate dentelle edges, marbled endpapers in the swirled nonpareil pattern (NOTE: marbled endpapers have been either covered up or replaced with new stock) and all edges gilt. Publishing house label to front paste-down reads: ‘Deighton, Bell & Co., Cambridge, Eng.'” [printer, see history below]. (NOTE: this label is missing.)
The back of the book includes a detailed descriptive index of the illuminations and other embellishments, including the Latin and common names of the flowers and their origins. The description of the binding reads as follows: “The binding is designed from a peculiar style of ornament, supposed to be the ‘Opus Anglicum,’ so much prized on the continent in the 10th and 11th centuries The model which has furnished the present design is a border in a MS. [manuscript] copy of the Gospels executed for King Cnut (Canute). The principal school for the execution of this peculiar style of ornament appears to have been established in Winchester.”
See below for dimensions and condition. Feel free to request additional information and/or photos.
1 in stock
DIMENSIONS: 7″ x 5-1/8″ x .75″
CONDITION: Very good restored antique condition with a few disclaimers: the leather spine is a replacement; marbled end papers have been covered up and/or replaced; there are a few torn pages and minor stains, as well as tape remnants; the covers are delicate and show some chips. See photos. Please handle with care.
HISTORY (from online sources): Henry Noel Humphreys (1810 – 1879) was a British illustrator, naturalist, entomologist, and numismatist. He was born in Birmingham and educated at King Edward’s School there. He studied medieval manuscripts in Italy as a young man and became an accomplished scholar in numerous subjects. In addition to his entomological texts, Humphreys wrote works on ancient Greek and Roman coins, archaeology, religion, and the art of writing and printing. He is most recognized for his illuminated books.
Deighton, Bell, & Company was a British firm of booksellers and publishers located in Cambridge, England. Founded in 1778 by John Deighton (1748 – 1828), a master bookbinder, it was located in “narrow, early eighteenth-century premises” at the corner of Green and Trinity Streets, Cambridge, which would be the location of the firm for its entire existence. In 1854 the firm was acquired by the educational publisher George Bell of George Bell & Sons, following which it became known as Deighton, Bell, and Company. In 1998 the company was sold to publishing partners, Dawson Books.
SHIPPING: Shipping included only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes. For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.
A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.
Thank you for visiting AlegriaCollection!
Customer has up to 30 days unless vendor opts out of return policy per item to return a product for any reason such as damaged item, size, or unhappiness with product upon arrival. Read our full return policy.
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
Sign in to your account below.
Your Review
danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!