A CALENDAR OF SAINTS FOR UNBELIEVERS

[Haarlem: Printed by Joh. Eschedé en Zonen for] Harrison of Paris, 1932. No. 611 OF 695 COPIES on Pannekoek paper (and 61 copies on other papers). 235 x 140 mm. (9 1/4 x 5 5/8"). 239, [1] pp.
Publisher's black buckram, smooth spine with two gilt panels formed by tiny gilt Zodiac stamps, gilt titling, top edge gilt, others untrimmed. In (the original plain cardboard slipcase (light wear, tape repair on bottom seam). With 12 signs of the Zodiac and tailpiece by Pavel Tchelitchew. Front pastedown with book label of Albert Sperisen. ◆Board and extremities lightly chafed, one two-inch ink mark to lower board, but A PRISTINE COPY INTERNALLY, in a binding with few signs of wear.

This hagiographic parody was written by American poet and novelist Glenway Wescott (1901-87), and designed by his longtime partner, Monroe Wheeler (1899-1988). In the preface to the present work, the author tells us that it "should not be taken too seriously"; he notes, for example that Constantine the Great "was not a good man"; that St. Cyril "organized the gang-murder of the learned Hypatia"; and that St. Jerome "led an ideal literary life, noble and harsh and monotonous and selfish.".