Bidspirit auction | [MUSEUM QUALITY!!!] Andrew of Caesarea.

[MUSEUM QUALITY!!!] Andrew of Caesarea. The Apocalypse with Three Commentaries (Apocalypse Explanatory) 2nd Edition. Moscow, Old Believer Printing House, 7421 [1913]. 4 index leaves, 246 text leaves, 73 leaves of illustrations. Binding: Period full-leather binding (leather over wooden boards) with blind-tooled ornamentation, possibly as issued by the publisher. Large Format: 34.7 x 22.7 cm; Thickness: 5.2 cm. Significance: This book possesses exceptional artistic, cultural, and collectable value. It stands as one of the most significant monuments of Old Believer book printing in Russia. Printing & Decoration: Two-color printing; ornamentation and miniatures executed in high-quality chromolithograph. The volume is adorned with intricate borders, headpieces, and 73 full-page miniatures. This is a luxurious edition of the highest printing standard of the early 20th century. Historical Context: Andrew of Caesarea (6th–7th centuries) was the Archbishop of Caesarea Mazaca. He is renowned for his ”Commentary on the Apocalypse, ” one of the earliest patristic interpretations of the Book of Revelation, which profoundly influenced subsequent theology. In his work, Andrew sought to reveal the triple meaning of the Apocalypse: literal, tropological (moral), and anagogical (spiritual). His commentary played a crucial role in securing the Book of Revelation within the New Testament canon in the Eastern Christian world. The work was translated from Greek into Old Church Slavonic no later than the 10th century. Until the mid-15th century, the Apocalypse existed among the Slavs primarily through Andrew's commentary rather than as a standalone text. The ”Commentary” holds such weight in Orthodox tradition that Andrew is often referred to as a saint in ancient manuscripts, although he was never formally canonized. The work has always enjoyed immense popularity among Russian Old Believers. Edition Details: This edition is based on the Explanatory Apocalypse printed at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in 1625. The text is supplemented with additional interpretations from other authors sourced from 16th-century manuscripts. Condition Report: Very Good overall. The book block is split; one metal clasp loop is missing. There is shelf wear to the leather and some missing fragments of leather on the covers. Some leaves and inserts are detached from the block. Minor traces of use (finger-marking) from page-turning are present on some pages. COMPLETENESS: All leaves are present; a fully complete copy.