First illustrated edition. A stunning Papé-illustrated edition of a beloved religiou novel by Anatole France. The story follows two religious workers who spend Spring in Italy, ruminating on an unfamiliar story about Saint Clare and other historical and spiritual gleanings. The novel intertwines religion and philosophy, and focuses on how purity and goodness can push back the devil. Illustrated with particularly mesmerising gothic scenes by a cherished Golden Age artist.
This copy in very good plus condition with its very scarce original dust jacket, also in very good condition. Jacket a little creased in places with rubbed edges and a small closed tear at the spine tail, boards lightly rubbed at the corners, generally very clean and square with bright pages and plates. Bound in black cloth with gilt-stamped titles and motifs to the front board and spine, illustrated endpapers and the top edge sprayed red. Jacket made of black paper with red titles and motifs. 25 x 16 cm. Pp. viii, 302.
