Illustrations of The Book of Job in Twenty-One Plates Invented and Engraved by William Blake

London: J.M. Dent & Co. and G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1902. 1 of 1000 copies issued in facsimile of the original 1826 publication. Folio. 21 plates. Publishes stiff-printed wrappers with facsimile of original label, high quality paper. Loss to corners and wood-grain cloth spine, front hinge starting to split though plates remain secure, paint-splatter present on the front, foxing to paper. Some of the prints have been darkened from the presence of the tissue guarded paper, but most of plates remain very good overall. Excellent, detailed engravings on fine paper. Wrappers poor, internally good. 

Generally considered to be William Blake's masterpieces in the medium of engraving, as early as 1785 he had begun to sketch ink studies of illustrations to The Book of Job. The full set of engravings was published eventually in 1826 by Blake and 'Mr J. Linnell, 6 Cirencester Place, Fitzroy Square.'  The last complete set that Blake would finish in his lifetime.


'When the morning stars sang together, and the Sons of God shouted for joy.' - Job 38: 7

'Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind / Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge .. Hath the Rain a Father & Who hath begotten the Drops of the Dew.' - Job 38:1-2

'Who maketh the Clouds his Chariot & walketh on the Wings of the Wind.'  - Psalms 104:3