47 Beautifully bound three-volume 1785 Bible in an “Etruscan” style binding by Edwards of Halifax, from the esteemed collection of Estelle Doheny. Although Edwards of Halifax rarely signed their bindings, this Bible was identified by Bentley as the same offered at £15 15s in Thomas Edwards’ catalogue of 1815, described as “very superbly bound in Etruscan calf, gilt leaves, and 3 fine drawings thereon,” (item 265; see also Weber 2010, p. 129) a reference to three striking fore-edge paintings. One, a foreedge painting of the Last Supper, is reproduced by Weber in his Fore-Edge Paintings (p. 171) and described as an early example of the workshop. The technique of concealing a painting under the gilt fore edge of books was revived in England by William Edwards about 1780. G.E. Bentley, The Edwardses of Halifax. Bookplates, including the small morocco-gilt ones of famed book collector Estelle Doheny, whose extensive collection included an emphasis on books with particularly fine later fore-edge paintings. Interiors with occasional mild embrowning and foxing; expert restoration to bindings, the fore-edge paintings in exceptional condition. A stunning production. 67(BIBLE). The Holy Bible. Bath, 1785. Three volumes. Large quarto, contemporary full “Etruscan” calf gilt. $18,500 1785 Bible Beautifully Bound By Edwards Of Halifax In Their Signature Etruscan Style, From The Doheny Collection
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