Author: Thomas A Kempis; Cedric Chivers
Title: The Imitation of Christ
Description: London, Chatto and Windus, 1908. Vellum. A finely bound copy of Thomas A Kempis' 'Of the Imitation of Christ&apos. In a beautiful vellucent binding by Cedric Chivers of Bath. A fantastic vellucent binding by the noted bookbinder Cedric Chivers. Chivers created this technique of bookbinding which involved an artist painting on a thin medium. The designs included inlays of mother of pearl or gold leaf. This was then overlaid with a specially-treated sheet of vellum so that the designs were translucent. There are some beautiful inlays to this work on the front board, including a pearl inlay to the 'I' of the title. Chivers' associate H Granville Fell designed many of the bindings, and the shop hired a number of female artists including Dorothy Carleton Smyth to paint the scenes onto the binding. The design to this board consists of four kneeling saints within a decorative surround reminiscent of medieval illuminated manuscripts. Binder's stamp to the rear pastedown, Cedric Chivers of Bath. This is a 1908 reprint of the crown 4to special edition issued by Chatto and Windus in London. Translated into English from the original Latin by Richard Whytford and illustrated throughout from designs by W Russell Flint. In a full vellucent binding. Held in custom clipcase. Externally, in an excellent condition. A few light marks to the spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Blind stamp to the verso of front endpaper, 'From the Library of Dana C Bradford&apos. Pages are bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: W Russell Flint. Fine .

Keywords: Thomas A Kempis W. Russell Flint Dana C. Bradford Cedric Chivers W. Russell Flint W Russell Flint


See more books from our catalog: Other Faiths