The Stabat Mater

This is a charming, antique copy of "THE STABAT MATER" by Jacobus de Benedictis. The Stabat Mater is a 13th-century Christian hymn to Mary, which portrays her suffering as Jesus Christ's mother during his crucifixion. Circa 1890's (there is no date of publication stated); Ernest Nister / London; E.P. Dutton & Co. / New York. The book features a decorative floral front cover, beautiful full-page color plates, illustrations around the text, and gilt page edges on all sides of the text block. Comprising Versions of "Mater Speciosa" and "Mater Dolorosa" by Dr. Neale and Earl Crawford. From the introduction: "The two hymns reprinted in the following pages bear a very close relationship to each other. They are both generally believed to be the work of the same author, Giacomo da Todi, or Jacobus de Benedictis, as he is sometimes called. He left a great number of poems, most of which have been reprinted, by far the most celebrated being the 'Stabat Mater Dolorosa' (the second of the following hymns). Of this there are said to be eighty versions in German, and many in English." Condition: Clean front cover and spine; there is a small, light stain at the bottom of the back cover. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Occasional foxing to the pages. Bright, bold colors to the illustrated plates. Bright gilt page edges on all sides of the text block. Overall the book is in Very Good condition.