Calligraphic handwritten dedication by Lechter for Elisabeth Hartmann
Thomas von Kempen. Die vier Bücher von der Nachfolge Christi. Auf Grundlage der Goerresschen Uebertragung durchgesehene Ausgabe. Mit Symbolen von Melchior Lechter
Einhorn-Presse (O. v. Holten/Opus IV), Berlin, 1922
Thomas von Kempen, also Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) – Spiritual writer, an Augustinian monk and mystic
With book decorations by Melchior Lechter (1865-1937) - German painter and illustrator
With illustrated double titles, 4 intertitles, 114 initials and 27 vignettes and borders (printed in red and black on laid paper)
Original cased binding with plant material; illustrated back with blind embossing
327 pages, 3 leaves
Dimensions: 38 x 24 cm
In very fine condition

The clergyman Thomas a Kempis wrote these four books for the first time in the first half of the 15th Century. His major work, ‘De Imitatione Christ - From the Imitation of Christ’, has been the most popular book of all time in addition to the Bible. This copy is one of 1005 by Melchior Lechter hand numbered and signed copies. An elaborately designed work, Lechter worked on from 1914 onwards - With handwritten, full-page and 13 lines long, calligraphic handwritten dedication by Lechter for Elisabeth Hartmann on behalf of their children Augusta and Heinrich Hartmann, on the occasion of Christmas 1922, executed with blue and green ink and gold paint. It is preceded by a quote from Buddha: ‘Wie der Vollendete spricht so handelt er, und wie er handelt, so spricht er’. (Literature: Rodenberg, 151)



Pagiantion: 327 pages, 3 leaves



The book is in overall fine condition. Endpaper shows slight foxing and damp stains.



Melchior Lechter (1865-1937)

Melchior Lechter was born 1865 in Münster (Westphalia), where he goes into teaching as glass painter. After he finished in 1884, he began to study at the Berlin Academy of Art. After completing his studies in 1897 Lechter worked mainly for the ‘Blättern für die Kunst’ also illustrating his works there until 1907. His work is particularly inspired by the works of William Morris, but he soon develops his own unique style with motifs of mysterious symbolism, but also influenced by the style of the Pre-Raphaelites.



Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Thomas a Kempis was born in 1380 in Kempen. He lived most of his life in Agnetenberg monastery near Zwolle. For some time he devoted himself to the formation of the novices. Due to this activity he created the four-part writing 'De Imitatione Christ - Imitation of Christ', which is considered in addition to the Bible as the most popular book of all time.