Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Die vier Buecher von der Nachfolge Christi [MONOGRAM BY ILLUSTRATOR]

Kempen, Thomas von; Melchior Lechter (Illus.)

Berlin: Einhorn-Presse, 1922. Limited edition. Hardcover. Melchior monogram and numbered, 204/1000, on colophon page. 327 (7)pp. Original natural, gilt and blind-stamped binding from Asiatic plant compounds with gilt lettering on cover and spine housed in yellow paper-covered cardboard slipcase with printed labels on spine. Gilt top edge. Decorative endpapers. Blank page before half-title fully hand-illuminated and decorated in blue and green script by Melchior Lechter and dedicated to Lotte Dresel on occasion of her birthday. Following the half-title Lechter added 2 pages, a Pre-Christian prelude and an epilog using Upanishad texts with elaborate decorative framing. Illustrated frontispiece. Illustrated title page and 4 additional illustrated title pages, one for each book. Book IV with additional illustration at the start of chapter one. Printed in red an black on handmade, uncut paper under Lechter's supervision at Otto von Holten. 114 historiated initials and 47 illustrated endpieces. Reviewed publication based on the Goerres translation. Laid in publisher's original 1922 Christmas advertisement and two invitations to special exhibitions of the publishing house in 1921 an 1925. Opus 4 of the Einhorn-Press; Rodenberg 151,4; Raub A 114. The text is a compilation of single thoughts presented in the form of a handbook, organized according to various Christian aspects. It is meant to be helpful to the Christian soul, in particular monks, nuns, ascetics, etc. on their way to the union with god. Text in German. Slipcase rubbed with light soiling and wear along edges, small chips and one inch closed tear at bottom front edge. Binding lightly rubbed with few very light markings and foxing. Binding in overall very good, interior in near fine condition. vg+. Item #37197

Melchior Lechter (1865-1937) was the founder of the Einhorn-Press and the printer for many of Stefan George's publications. It is said that it was his contact with Stefan George, Lechter illustrated George's first publication "Das Jahr der Seele" and many of his other publications, that inspired Lechter to pursue book art. The connection to Lechter's printer Otto von Holten also was established through Stefan George.

Price: $4,500.00