H. Wolffenbüttel-van Rooyen - History of the Old & New Testament | 2 volumes | Gustave Doré

Impressive two-volume edition of the history of the Old and New Testaments, written by H. Wolffenbüttel-van Rooyen with the scholarly assistance of dr. A. van der Weijden O.E.S.A. Both volumes were published by De Fontein in Utrecht and belong to the early second edition of this extensive Catholic biblical history.

The two large volumes jointly cover the history of the Old and New Testaments and are richly illustrated with the famous biblical depictions of the French artist Gustave Doré. The Old Testament contains 80 engravings and the New Testament 36, together 116 impressive illustrations. Many of them are printed full-page and show famous biblical scenes such as Adam and Eve, the vision of Ezekiel, the three kings, the flight into Egypt, John the Baptist and the wedding at Cana.

The edition was compiled for a broad Catholic audience and combines an extensive account of biblical history with theological and historical commentary. Dr. A. van der Weijden O.E.S.A. provided the scholarly assistance.

Both volumes are bound in matching red faux leather with decorated brown spines, black title plates and gold lettering. On the front cover is a gold-colored depiction of Mary with the Christ Child. The dark blue-grey top edges and the large format give the set a neat, monumental appearance.

Details:

• Author: H. Wolffenbüttel-van Rooyen
• Scholarly assistance: dr. A. van der Weijden O.E.S.A.
• Titles: History of the Old Testament & History of the New Testament
• Number of volumes: 2
• Edition: second edition
• Publisher: De Fontein
• Place of publication: Utrecht
• Date: ca. 1950-1952
• Language: Dutch
• Subject: Biblical history
• Religious context: Roman Catholic
• Illustrator: Gustave Doré
• Old Testament: 80 engravings
• New Testament: 36 engravings
• Total: 116 Doré illustrations
• New Testament: 308 pages
• Binding: red faux leather with decorated brown spine
• Front cover: gold-colored depiction of Mary with the Christ Child
• Top edge: dark blue-grey colored
• Size: ca. 30.5 × 24 cm
• Thickness Old Testament: ca. 3.5 cm
• Thickness New Testament: ca. 2.8 cm
• Origin: Netherlands

Condition:
Very neat vintage condition. Both volumes are sturdy and the binding is in very good order. The faux leather covers show slight signs of use and a few small superficial marks. The spines have some even discoloration and wear, appropriate for their age. The gold-colored decoration and spine lettering are well preserved. The colored top edges show slight signs of use and dust. The interior is remarkably clean and neat, with only limited age discoloration. The many full-page reproductions of the engravings by Gustave Doré have remained bright and beautifully preserved. See the photos for a complete picture of the condition.