The Hieroglyphic Bible; or, Select Passages in the Old and New Testaments, Represented with Emblematical Figures, for the Amusement of Youth: Designed Chiefly To familiarize tender Age, in a pleasing and diverting Manner, with early Ideas of the Holy Scriptures. To which are subjoined a short Account of the Lives of the Evangelists, and other Pieces. Illustrated with nearly 500 cuts.
So reads the title page of this beautiful 1846, sixth edition Hieroglyphic Bible, published by Alling, Seymour & Co, Rochester, NY--quite similar to first such version, A Curious Hieroglyphick Bible, published in 1788 by Isaiah Thomas, Worcester, MA, and a very nice copy.
My photos here are not in the least comprehensive but they give a good sense, with every single page filled with rebus like combinations of text and engravings--a quite a brilliant strategy of engagement, stunningly executed, with high drama! I really love making connections, too, between the engravings here and imagery to be found in earlier 19th century child/folk drawings and watercolors--those lions and suns and moons and angels, etc. didn't come from nowhere! Anyway, it is quite a treat to have one of these around--important historically, and also pure delight.
6" x 3 7/8". 129 numbered pages + 3 pages q&a at end. Frontispiece engraving (before the title page) is lost. Otherwise very good condition. General light scattered foxing/toning, more so at very front and back of book, and general light wear to marbled covers.
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