Modern Hieyoglypics [sic] of The Apocalypse and Great Pyramid

London: Jones & Cuthbertson, 1878. First Edition. Decorated Cloth. Very Good. A quirky, present-time take on the Book of Revelations and its apocalyptic prophecies, with imagery that is minutely conceived, detailed, and paradoxically, rather cheery notwithstanding its grim intent. The work might fairly be categorized as an emblem book. Given the highly symbolic nature of Revelations, even to the literalist, this is scarcely a stretch. In terms of actual content, the book purports to predict events that will befall mankind in the near future -- four years into the future from 1878 and the Congress of Berlin as a starting date. To what degree the author actually believed in the predictions is open to question, although there can be no doubt that she did believe in fundamental truths informing the predictions, and the intricate marshalling of her points suggests ardent conviction. For us, however silly or profound we might consider the narrative, the visual entertainment of the vivid illustrations is immediate and undying. Oblong folio-sized, measuring 16 by 13 inches, 41 by 33 cm. Each of the ten hand-colored plates is accompanied by a page of text that provides an expository explanation of the plate and a section directly quoting from Revelations. Quite scarce, with only four institutional holdings turning up on OCLC. Rebacked with a darker blue cloth that blends well with the boards. Scuffs on the boards and moderate to heavy edgewear. Some light finger soiling within; otherwise, generally clean.