Religion

19th Century. Painted with prayer 19th Century Russian icon. 320x268mm. Tempera on wood with silver overlaid riza (cover), backed with velvet. Richly detailed Russian Christian icon, finely painted with glowing pigments on a gold ground. The central painting depicts Christ's resurrection and his appearance to the apostles. Flanking this are representations of the Twelve Feasts - significant events in Christ's life, from The Birth Of The Virgin to The Presentation in The Temple. Antique icons are said to have been "painted with prayer"; the painter asking God to direct their work, or praying while they paint.

London: W.J.Cleaver. 1846.Inscribed by the author. Second edition. 8vo. 214x135mm. pp. xiv, [2], 463, [1bl]. Handsomely bound in contemporary brown morocco, boards and spine heavily tooled in blind and with title in gilt to spine. Brass cornerpieces and clasp. Beautifully gauffred edges, marbled endpapers, maroon silk ribbon. A blank preliminary leaf has the inscription "The joint gift of Mary Vickery and William J.E. Bennett to Elisa Vickery on her Birth Day 16th of June 1854. Pro salute anima preces sunt perpetua in Christo". In immaculate condition throughout and the binding is a splendid Victorian period piece.

Exposing. With great Variety of Humour, in a Series of Conversations between that Demon and the Author, The scandalous Frauds, lewd Amours, and devout Mockery of the Monks and Nuns; the Intrigues of Courts; the Ambition, Avarice, and Cruelty of Ministers; the Insincerity, Luxury, Prostitution, and Ingratitude of many private Characters; with other Capital Vices of the present Age. Founded chiefly on real Facts, and interspersed with the Portraits and secret History of most of the considerable Persons that have lived in Europe within these thirty Years past.