I Fioretti del Glorioso Poverello St. Francis of Assisi

DESCRIPTION: Octavo (8vo.), 8 7/8 x 6 inches, 220 x 150 mm., 239 pages. One of 240 copies printed on Batchelor 'hammer and anvil' paper. Printed in Subiaco type in red and black with chapter headings printed in red. Initials of each chapter printed in red or blue designed by Grailly Hewitt. Illustrated with 53 woodcut illustrations by Charles Gere, cut by J. B. Swain. Limp vellum binding (honeyed vellum), olive green silk ties and gilt titling on spine. Ashendene printer's device on the colophon in red. Text is in Italian language. Includes an archival clear Grafix Dura Lar dust wrapper.____CONDITION: Very fine. Vellum clean and lustrous (note: the variation in vellum hue is normal for honeyed vellum), no markings, all silk ties present and intact, text pages free of foxing and toning._____DISCUSSION: The beautiful woodcut illustrations by Charles Gere depict the life and work of Saint Francis, anecdotes, miracles and pious examples of his life. This is the final Ashendene edition in Italian, concluding proprietor St. John Hornby's love affair with Italy and the last Ashendene edition with illustrations by Charles Gere. An elegant Ashendene Press edition in exceptional condition.