The Book of Gracious Promises. Near Fine. Early Victorian book of elaborate hand-illuminated passages from scripture. In 1849, The 'Art-Journal' offered the following brief review: 'The, Book of Gracious Promises. For Illuminating. Published by J. B. Bunyard. There are many ladies-there may also be many gentlemen-who employ their leisure in illuminating. It is a graceful pleasure. They often want guides, correct models to follow, and cannot readily procure them. They will find them in this elegantly-bound and printed book; carefully- selected passages from Scripture, in old English, are surrounded by appropriate emblems in outlines, as are some of the words. The designs are very charming ; no doubt, in several instances, they are copies or adaptations from ancient missals : we believe others are original. At all events they are good, and can lead no student astray; not complicated, yet sufficiently full. The book is so bound as to open easily, thus to facilitate the progress of the colourist; it is produced at small cost, considering its value.' Copies that have on occasion been offered for sale show considerable variation, as each artist followed their own muse. A. H. Dicker, having identified themselves on the title page, chose rich colors and seems to have made extensive use of gilt, experimenting with different techniques. On one page the minute edition of eyes and a forked tongue transforms a twisting ornament into a snake. The result is a unique work, transforming a Victorian fascination with medieval artistry into a leisure activity for ladies and gentlemen. Green cloth covers with blind stamped borders and gilt reproduction of the title-page. Wear to extremities, including fraying to the head and tail of the spine and corners. All edges gilt. Sixteen stiff leaves: two blank leaves, illuminated title page, twelve illuminated passages from scripture, one blank leaf. 9 x 7.25".