Augustine, Saint; Karl Weyman ed.

S. AURELII AUGUSTINI: DE CIVITATE DEI LIBRI XXII [City of God]

Bremer Presse, 1924. First Edition. Hardcover. [2], xxxii, 607 [46] pp. Folio, 10x14'. Although the colophon gives the year as 1924, the press did not complete production until 1925. Bound in quarter linen spine over Michalet paper over boards, one of three bindings offered by the press in addition to vellum and morocco options. With some very trivial toning to the spine and edges, else FINE with exceedingly clean and fresh text. 'Imprimebatur anno millesimo non-gentesimo uicesimo quarto studio et impensis officinae Bremensis quae est ad Monachos typis propriis preloque quod manuum labore mouetur. exem-plaria sunt emissa trecenta octoginta quinque quorum hoc habet numerum CCCXXII.' (Printed in 1924 by the Bremen workshop of Munich on a hand-operated press using its own types. 385 copies were printed, of which this one is number 322.) 'In 1925, the Bremer Presse issued Saint Augustine's monumental De Civitate Dei (The City of God). With its initials by Anna Simons, the powerful title page is among the most beautiful produced by the press. Joseph Blumenthal's apt characterization of Bremer Presse books is nowhere more apposite than for the Augustine: 'The books were clearly made to glorify the written word and the traditional art of the book, which they do with great distinction.' Wiegand's small, clear roman type, set very tightly, is used here with great impact, matching the power of Saint Augustine's words. The specifics of type, inking, presswork, and paper are close to perfection. Much of the press's production exhibits a design philosophy shared by certain English presses, most notably the Doves Press.' (Hunter & Kelly, A Century for the Century, #14). FINE. Item #510468

Price: $2,000.00