1910 The House of Prayer by Florence Converse - Illustrated Antique Book

A beautifully illustrated decorative antique book from 1910. The House of Prayer by Florence Converse published by JM Dent & Sons, London. A novel exploring faith, spirituality and human experience. With a colour frontispiece and seven line drawings by Margaret Ely Webb.

A celebrated Christian children's allegory. Converse was an editor for The Atlantic Monthly and a social activist. She wrote the book to teach young readers the history, theology, and spiritual rhythm of Christian prayer through a fantastical, narrative framework.

The story follows a young, imaginative boy named Timothy who is staying with his grandfather in a house called "The House of Prayer". Timothy is visited by a mystical Angel who acts as his spiritual guide. Together, they embark on a journey through time and space. They visit different eras of religious history to learn how people have communed with God across centuries. Timothy is educated on the different types of prayer (such as petition, intercession, adoration, and thanksgiving). He learns about the structure of the liturgy, the history of the Book of Common Prayer, and the global, timeless nature of the Church.

This Margaret Ely Webb editions is the most sought-after version. A prominent artist of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Her beautiful, intricate black-and-white line drawings perfectly match the book’s mystical and gentle tone.

Contents are in superb condition. Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound with no writing or other markings of previous ownership. Has a small closed tear to one fore-edge. There is tanning to the endpapers. All of the illustrations are present as called for, and in good condition. Top edge is gilt, other edges are untrimmed.

Light stone-coloured cloth over boards have pale-blue and matt gold decoration to the front and spine. With some rubbing to the decoration on the front. The spine remains bright. Mild rubbing to spine ends. No cracked hinges and a tight, square binding.

Your decorative Edwardian copy of The House of Prayer will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.

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H 19 cm X 14 cm, 276 pages, 0.48 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. With the exception of a small number of countries.

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped but sent simply in the protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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