Description John C. Winston, Philadelphia, PA, 1896. Hard cover, 478 pages. Decoratively tooled leather over boards, gilt lettering on front and spine; some rubs. Edge wear, corners bumped and worn with boards exposed; splitting along front spine edge with some loss of leather; losses at spine ends. Top band detached but present, tail band secure; binding a bit loose with all pages secure. Faded gilt on all edges of outer page block. Frontis of Christ. Smudge on FEP, remainder of interior clean and unmarked with tanned pages; short tear at top margin of one page; heavier stock paper used. Black & white illustrations from The Thorvaldsen Gallery on full pages and incorporated in text; full-page double-sided illustrations by Plockhorst and Hofmann in black & white, although listed as ‘colored’. Volume I by Stretton is 'A Simple and Graphic Narrative of the Life of Jesus The Christ'; Volume II by Clere is 'A Complete Life of Each of the Twelve Apostles Chosen by Our Saviour'

Condition and Preservation

This volume, despite its age, remains a remarkable example of late 19th-century bookbinding and design. The decorative tooled leather cover, though showing significant signs of wear, still retains much of its original charm. The gilt lettering on the spine and front cover, while faded, adds a distinguished character to the book's exterior. Collectors and historians will appreciate the balance between the book's evident usage and its preservation, which speaks to its historical journey and the care it has received over more than a century.

Illustrations and Artistic Value

The black and white illustrations sourced from The Thorvaldsen Gallery provide an enriching visual accompaniment to the text. These images, thoughtfully placed on full pages and woven into the narrative, enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the life of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Of particular note are the full-page double-sided plates by Plockhorst and Hofmann. Although originally listed as ‘colored’, the monochrome prints still convey a profound sense of devotion and artistry, capturing the essence of biblical scenes with intricate detail and emotional depth.

Textual Content and Scholarly Importance

Volume I, authored by Stretton, offers a simple yet graphic narrative of the life of Jesus Christ, making it accessible to a broad audience while maintaining theological depth. Volume II, by Clere, complements this by providing comprehensive biographies of each of the twelve apostles chosen by Christ, enriching the reader’s insight into their individual roles and contributions to early Christian history.

Usage and Handling Recommendations

Given the book’s considerable weight and delicate condition, it is advisable to handle it with care. Conservation efforts might be considered to ensure the book’s longevity for future generations.

Conclusion

This 1896 John C. Winston edition stands as both a spiritually significant text and a collectible artifact. Its rich content, combined with the historical value of its craftsmanship and illustrative work, makes it a treasured addition to any collection of religious literature or antique books. Enthusiasts and scholars alike will find much to admire and study within its pages, appreciating the enduring legacy it preserves.

. Heavy book.