General Antiques and Collectibles Spring Auction
Lot 581:
Description
C-18377
c. 1794-1932; Universal Book & Bible House (Philadelphia), Scott Foresman & Co. (Chicago), and Giovanni Tomassini (Foligno, Italy) Grouping of three antique and early printed books spanning over a century of publication history. Titles include: • Hurlbut’s Story of the Bible for Young and Old by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut, D.D. (Universal Book & Bible House, Philadelphia; New and Revised Edition) • Shakespeare: A Historical and Critical Study with Annotated Texts of Twenty-One Plays by Hardin Craig (Scott, Foresman & Company, Chicago; 1932) • Esame Critico delle Principali Feste di Maria Santissima by Alfonso Muzzarelli (Giovanni Tomassini, Foligno; 1794) The set offers an appealing contrast between American Protestant, academic, and Catholic literary traditions-ranging from 18th-century Italian theological commentary to Depression-era scholarly editions of Shakespeare and early 20th-century devotional storytelling. Publisher Histories • Universal Book & Bible House was a leading early-20th-century Philadelphia publisher of religious literature and educational works. • Scott, Foresman & Co. (est. 1896) produced academic textbooks and literary anthologies for American schools and universities. • Giovanni Tomassini of Foligno was among the noted ecclesiastical printers of late 18th-century Italy, issuing devotional and theological works under papal license.
Overall fair to good antique condition. Boards show moderate edge wear and spine loss, particularly to Esame Critico. Marbled page edges and engraved title emblem on the Italian volume remain vivid. The Shakespeare and Hurlbut volumes exhibit age toning, binding wear, and mild foxing consistent with use and age.
Largest volume: 9.25″ H × 6.5″ W × 2″ D
Share this lot:
