Sebastian Evans "The High History of the Holy Graal" Slipcased Deluxe Limited Edition No. 195 of 600

An exclusive Deluxe Illustrated Edition, strictly limited to a quantity of 600 copies. The Medieval collection of Arthurian Lore in the vintage 1903 edition.

Easton Press 2015. Sebastian Evans "The High History of the Holy Graal". Slipcased Deluxe Limited Edition of 600. This is number 195. Translated from the old French by Sebastian Evans. Luxuriously bound in light blue leather imitating the original light blue cloth, blocked on the spine and upper boards with illustrations by King in black and gilt. All edges gilt. Nature's Book paper from Glatfelter, Spring Grove and York, Pennsylvania. Individually hand-marbled endpapers by Crepaldi of Brazil and imported by Talas of Brooklyn, New York. Dimensions: 5 3/4” x 8 3/4”. 448 pages.

Hear ye the history of the most holy vessel that is called Graal, wherein the precious blood of the Saviour was received on the day that He was put on rood and crucified in order that He might redeem His people from the pains of hell.

Josephus set it in remembrance by annunciation of the voice of an angel, for that the truth might be known by his writing of good knights, and good worshipful men how they were willing to suffer pain and to travail for the setting forward of the Law of Jesus Christ, that He willed to make new by His death and by His crucifixion.

Facsimile of the first Jessie King edition of 1903.

Illustrations by Jessie M. King, featuring all 22 illustrations and 36 ornamental head-pieces.

Illustrated with plates in black and white or in two colors. 

• Cowhide leather imported from Italy by Cortina Leathers of New York, New York
• Lithography by Pulp, Bristol, Tennessee
• Slipcase from Dominion Carton, Bristol, Virginia
• Custom binding by Kingsport Book, Church Hill, Tennessee

Sebastian Evans (2 March 1830 – 19 December 1909) was an English journalist and political activist, known also as a man of letters and an artist. He helped to form the National Union of Conservative Associations.

The High History of the Holy Graal

The High History of the Holy Graal is a 13th-century French Arthurian romance, translated into English by Sebastian Evans in 1898, that tells a darker, more spiritually rigorous version of the Grail quest, focusing on the hero Perceval and the origins of the Grail, differing from more familiar versions. It's known for its vivid, episodic, and morally demanding narrative, exploring themes of chivalry, faith, and the supernatural through trials, visions, and the struggle between good and evil.

Key aspects of the book:

Origin: An Old French prose romance from the early 13th century, with only fragments of the original manuscript surviving.

Translator: Sebastian Evans's 1898 translation is the most common English version, preserving the original's style and content.

Content: It details the story of the Holy Grail, its divine purpose, and the quest undertaken by knights like Perceval, Gawain, and King Arthur.

Themes: It emphasizes spiritual testing, divine grace, and the conflict between spiritual corruption and redemption, featuring a more severe and less "gentler" tone than other Grail stories.

Significance: It's considered essential for understanding the full scope of Arthurian legend, introducing characters like the Questing Beast and offering a less canonical but vital perspective on the Grail mythology

Features

• Fully bound in genuine leather.
• 22kt gold deeply inlaid on the "hubbed" spine.
• Superbly printed on acid-neutral paper that lasts for generations.
• Sewn pages - not just glued like ordinary books.
• Printed end-pages and a satin-ribbon page marker.
• Printed and bound in the USA. Imported materials.
• Rigorous inspection at every stage ensures adherence to exacting standards.
• Superb craftsmanship and commitment to quality.
• Beautiful Illustrations
• Gilded Page Edges