GOLDEN COCKEREL & THE ART OF ALLEGORY

Comenius, Johann Amos [Komensky, John Amos] (1592-1670)

The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart [17th Century Christian Allegory] [Illustrator Signed]

London: Golden Cockerel Press, 1950. No. 204 of a Limited Edition of 370 copies.
THE CHRISTIAN ALLEGORY OF A FRACTURED WORLD
This edition of Comenius’ 1623 classic is a triumph of post-war British book design. Bound and designed by Christopher Sandford at the legendary Golden Cockerel Press, it features 56 hauntingly beautiful illustrations by Dorothea Braby.

Comenius, known as the 'Father of Modern Education,' crafted this labyrinthine journey as a spiritual survival guide—a theme that resonated deeply in 1950s Europe as the Iron Curtain descended. This specific copy features a rare personal inscription from the illustrator to a key collaborator on the project.

KEY FEATURES 
+++ Association Copy: Inscribed by Dorothea Braby to Cyril Stearns: For Cyril Stearns with grateful thanks for his help with this book from Dorothea Braby April 1951. Cyril Stearns was a known bibliophile and associate of the press.
+++ Fine Press Heritage: One of only 370 copies printed on mould-made paper by the Golden Cockerel Press. 
+++ Illustrations: 56 intricate drawings in black and brown by Braby that perfectly capture the surreal, ‘Potemkin Village’ nature of Comenius’ world. 
+++ Design: Typography and binding designed by Christopher Sandford, using Perpetua type in a striking three-color layout (black, red, and brown).

CONDITION Very Good -- Original white cloth with gilt-stamped decoration. Top edge gilt. The bindings are tight and square. The white cloth shows moderate shelf-handling and light hand-soiling; the spine is lightly toned as is typical for this edition. Internals are clean, bright, and Fine.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- Comenius wrote the Labyrinth while a religious refugee during the Thirty Years' War. His vision of the world as a city where everyone wears 'rose-colored glasses' of delusion remains one of the most powerful social critiques in Christian literature.

This Golden Cockerel edition revitalized the text for a modern audience, highlighting its startling relevance to the psychological landscapes of the mid-20th century.

SUBJECTS: Fine Press, Christian Allegory, Dorothea Braby, 17th Century Philosophy, Moravian History, Illustrated Books, Private Press, Association Copy.

Item #21613

Price: $575.00