Description
By: James S. Freemantle
The Psalms of David is a unique, beautifully illustrated edition of the revered religious work, also known as the Book of Psalms. The lifework of a little known genius, this facsimile edition of magnificent hand-painted illuminations is a stunning tribute to love and spiritual devotion.
Born in India, James Freemantle traveled through the Middle East during his years in the British Army. Shortly after his second marriage, he began this hand-lettered, illustrated volume for his beloved bride, Clara. For the next 30 years, he worked to match the beauty of the words with his delicately rendered drawings. Throughout the book one finds the brilliantly colored blooms of India: the jacaranda, the flame-of-the-forest, huge yellow laburnums, brilliant poinsettias, and highly scented mimosa. Scenes from Freemantle’s travels in the army, Middle Eastern harbors and villages, and copies of illustrations from Victorian travel books reveal his draftsman’s training in the accuracy of every detail. A labor of love, a work of art, a volume to treasure, this illuminated edition of the King James version of The Psalms of David is the perfect gift for all seasons. James Freemantle died in 1934, the year he finished The Psalms of David. It was many years later that his son Stephen decided to have it published.