Saint Joan of Arc Missal - H. Proost & Co. Establishments - Turnhout 1915

A beautifully executed French Catholic missal from circa 1915, dedicated to Sainte Jeanne d'Arc, better known as Joan of Arc.

This exceptional prayer book was published by Établissements H. Proost & Cie in Turnhout, Belgium. It contains an extensive collection of prayers and liturgical texts for the ecclesiastical year, including the Holy Mass, vespers, the rosary, and the Stations of the Cross.

The edition is distinguished by its richly illustrated interior. Almost every page of text is provided with a decorative border featuring scenes from the life of Joan of Arc. The illustrations show, among other things, scenes from her military and religious history.

The binding also deserves special attention. The book is executed in warm brown leather, featuring ornate blind-stamped decorations, floral motifs, and gold-colored accents. The fully gilt edges, the original red ribbon marker, and the decorative inner borders give the whole a particularly refined appearance.

The book block is in remarkably beautiful condition, with clean, sturdy pages that appear barely read. The leather binding shows signs of use and slight warping, with some damage to the rear hinge. The gold edges have been very beautifully preserved.

An attractive specimen for enthusiasts of old religious books, historical bookbindings, and the history of Joan of Arc.

Details

• Title: Missel de Sainte Jeanne d'Arc
• Publisher: Établissements H. Proost & Cie
• Place of publication: Turnhout, Belgium
• Date: circa 1915
• Language: French, with Latin liturgical texts
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Type: missal
• Extent: 380 numbered pages
• Dimensions: circa 15.5 × 9 × 2.5 cm
• Edges: fully gilt
• Ribbon marker: red, present
• Illustrations: richly illustrated pages with scenes from the life of Joan of Arc
• Ecclesiastical approval: imprimatur, Mechelen, May 8, 1915
• Status: good antiquarian condition
• Condition: very beautifully preserved book block with slight age-related discoloration. The leather binding shows signs of use, wear along the edges and corners, and some warping. The rear hinge is partially damaged. The gold edges and ribbon marker are well preserved.