[Fine Binding | Zaehnsdorf] The Imitation of Christ

Kempis, Thomas A. Of the Imitation of Christ. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., 1898. Limited to 50 copies on large paper, of which this is #39, and signed by the printer. Printed at the Chiswick Press. Tissue-covered frontispiece. Bound in full russet brown morocco by Zaehnsdorf, with four curved panels, filled with large gilt fleurons connected by gouges, surrounding an arabesque design to the center of the boards. The flat spine features the title and author and further swirls of gilt tooling, interspersed and terminating in gilt fleurons. Gilt-tooled turn-ins with smaller fleurons, surrounding a burgundy doublure, tooled with gouges and fillets, and calling to mind a stylized version of the cover design. Watered silk flyleaves, with dual gilt rules and small floral tools in each corner. Binder's name in gilt on the front doublure, with their "exhibition quality" stamp in gilt on the rear silk flyleaf. Measures approx. 5.5" x 8". Some light rubbing to edges and joints (no cracks, hinges sound). Corners bumped.