Way of Heaven | J.H. van Wees | c. 1925-1930

Dutch Catholic prayer book Weg des Hemels (Way to Heaven), published by J.H. van Wees Jr. in Utrecht and dating from the interwar period, circa 1925-1930.

This well-produced edition is bound in a black relief cover with blind-stamped borders and a religious monogram. The spine bears the gold-colored title Weg des Hemels. The book block has fully gilded edges, and the front and back feature decorative endpapers with repeating IHS and Marian symbols.

Inside, the book opens with a religious illustration of Mary. Its extensive Dutch-language content includes prayers and litanies, the Stations of the Cross, the Holy Rosary, vespers, antiphons, and prayers to Mary, Joseph, Anthony, and various other saints. The ecclesiastical approval is dated Mechelen, May 19, 1925.

The book shows signs of wear consistent with its age, including wear to the cover, some minor damage to the edges and spine, and signs of use on the gilded edges. The binding is damaged and locally weakened after the first endpaper. The rest of the interior appears well-kept, and the gilded edges and decorative endpapers are beautifully preserved.

Details

• Title: Weg des Hemels
• Subtitle: Verzameling van Oefeningen en Gebeden
• Publisher: J.H. van Wees Jr., Utrecht
• Printing/production: Brepols, Turnhout, Belgium
• Date: ca. 1925-1930
• Imprimatur: Mechelen, May 19, 1925
• Language: Dutch
• Type: Catholic prayer book / missal
• Endpapers: decoratively printed with IHS and Marian symbols
• Illustration: Image of Mary opposite the title page
• Dimensions: approx. 13.5 × 9 cm
• Thickness: approx. 2.5 cm
• Condition: used vintage condition with wear and damage/weakening of the binding after the first endpaper