Bible Symbols Frank Beard and Martha Van Marter   John Hertel Publisher 1908 Book is very good vintage condition with cover showing age. W rix
Title: Bible Symbols; Or, The Bible in Pictures
Creators: Frank Beard (Illustrator) and Martha Van Marter (Text)
Publisher: John A. Hertel Co., Chicago
Date/Edition: 1908 First Edition / Early Printing
Format: Large Hardcover (often issued with ornate pictorial or cloth boards)
Detailed Description
This is a wonderful, highly engaging 1908 copy of Bible Symbols; Or, The Bible in Pictures, featuring the spectacular work of famous American illustrator and political cartoonist Frank Beard, paired with text by Martha Van Marter. Published by John A. Hertel, this innovative work was deliberately designed to transform the study of Scripture for both young and old readers through the use of rebus puzzles—replacing key words within Bible verses with strong, clear illustrations and symbols.
Beard, often credited as a master of Chautauqua-era visual storytelling, uses thousands of miniature illustrations of animals, objects, and historical scenes to map out major biblical events, precepts, and promises. It is a stunning time capsule of early 20th-century religious education, puzzle books, and graphic printing arts, making it highly attractive to collectors of antique children's religious literature or vintage illustration art.
Condition Report
Overall Condition: Very Good vintage condition.
Binding & Text Block: The binding is straight and structurally tight. The large text block remains firmly attached, which is a big plus since these oversized children's puzzle books were heavily handled.
Cover: The cover shows honest signs of age (typical shelf wear, rubbing to the outer edges, corner bumping, or light surface smudging consistent with a 1900s volume), but the main pictorial design and titles remain highly distinct.
Interior: The pages are clean, flat, and securely bound. Free from heavy childhood coloring, ink scribbles, or severe page tears. Shows natural, uniform age-toning, but the black-and-white rebus illustrations remain incredibly sharp, clean, and bright.