The Good Shunammite: ii Kings, Chap iv, V[erse] viii

21pp, with 20 fine, hand-finished chromolithographed plates, illuminated borders and initials. In unusual, elaborately decorated papier mâché boards, leather spine (a little rubbed at spine ends). Gutter Percha binding. All edges gilt. Gilded board edges. Gilded inner dentelles. Marbled endpapers. Large 12mo. Inscription on half title. Some minor spotting. Beautiful volume, inside and out. The plates by Humphreys are illuminated by Gruner, 'and probably printed in the establishment of Owen Jones, whose style the illuminations resemble' (McLean: Victorian Book Design, p.92). Born in Desden, Lewis (Ludwig) Gruner (1801-1882) was Prince Albert's trusted adviser on art and design, for instance on the details of the Crystal Palace, and on potential acquisitions for the newly-established South Kensington Museum. Gruner was mentor to Owen jones, whose massive book production, influenced the nature of colour plate printing and Victorian book design.