March II 2021 Catalogue

B a u m a n R a r e B o o k s F a i t h 2 0 2 1 19 “This Direct, Beautiful, Natural Thing, Full Of Worth And Vitality” 19. EISEN, Gustavus A. The Great Chalice of Antioch. New York, 1923. Two volumes. Folio, original half black morocco gilt. $2600. Click for More Info Limited first edition, one of 1000 copies, of Eisen’s description and investigation of the artifact that many people once held (as some still do) to be the Holy Grail, with 60 plates. Purportedly unearthed in Antioch circa 1910—the city where Christians were first called by that name (Acts 11:26), and considered, along with Rome and Alexandria, as one of its principal sees— the Great Chalice has an outer shell of cast-metal enclosing a plain silver inner cup. “The fruited grapevine forming the rinceau pattern of the gilded shell is inhabited by birds, including an eagle; animals, including a lamb and a rabbit; and 12 human figures holding scrolls and seated in high- backed chairs” (Metropolitan Museum of Art). In this comprehensive and copiously illustrated monograph, Eisen concludes that the portraits are “not mere conventional types, but actual and well characterized; and that in all probability we must recognize in them originals of Christ and His Apostles, made while the latter were yet alive” (Preface). As for the inner vessel, since its discovery, speculation has persisted that it is, in fact, the Holy Grail—the cup with which Jesus instituted the Eucharist. The first volume contains extensive scholarly commentary, principally authored by Eisen; the second volume presents 60 plates: 46 photogravures after original negatives, two photogravures of diagrams and 12 original etchings on copper of the chalice’s iconography. Plates and text clean, boards with one corner lightly bumped, Volume II with very faint discoloration to lower portion of front board, gilt bright. A fine copy of an impressive production.