[Roycrofters | Illuminated | Limited to 40 Copies] The Book of Job

The Book of Job. As Translated from the Original by Rabbi Abraham Elzas; with some Comments on the Poem by Elbert Hubbard. East Aurora, NY: Roycroft Shop, 1897. One of 350 numbered copies, signed by Elbert Hubbard, this copy #16. With an additional manuscript note stating, “Nos. one to forty are specially hand-illuminated.” These specially illuminated copies included watercolor decoration throughout the text, including historiated initials, floral and landscape ornaments, and small marginal vignettes. Several vignettes signed "CS", indicating the work of Clara Schlegel.

Bound in the publisher's binding of white cloth spine and blue paper covered boards with gilt title to spine and front board. Red markings to titling on front cover and spine, likely added by the illuminator (cover decoration was often added to these special copies in Roycroft's early days). Bookplate of Charles Stewart Smith to front pastedown.

Measures approx. 5.25" x 8.25". Some light soiling to cloth spine, with mild toning to boards and a few minor marks to covers; lower corners bumped and worn. Contents clean, with the illumination bright and fresh.