A Photographic Pilgrimage to His Holiness Pope Pius X; A series of thirty-nine remarkable views
Boston: Publishers Syndicate Company, 1914. Quarto (11 1/4 inches tall), original pale green cloth, gilt decorations to front board. Early gift inscription by a cleric, mild offsetting to rear endpapers, faint blemishes to boards. A near-fine copy. Item #1732
"GOOD PIUS X, WHO SAID, 'REMEMBER THAT I AM A POOR MAN AND THAT JESUS CHRIST IS ALL'"
First edition of this photographic Pilgrimage to the Roman Court of Pope Pius X—collecting a series of thirty-nine remarkable views from "The Famous Underwood Photographs."
Giuseppe Sarto reigned as Pope Pius X from 1903 until his death in August 1914. "As Pope he retained the heart of a simple parish priest and manifested a warmth, humour, affability, and gentleness that won the hearts of pilgrims from all over the world" (Thomas Bokenkotter). Mixing portraits of the pope and his court with aerial views and architectural interiors, these large photographs were printed with extended captions and bordered frames. The images are all copyrighted "Underwood & Underwood N.Y."
An undated letter, sent on behalf of the Pope by Cardinal Merry del Val, presents the firm with a silver medal and a letter of personal appreciation. A single brief note: ("A Vist to His Holiness Pope Pius X") serves as the only text: "For centuries it was impossible for all but a few to look upon these places made sacred by the memory and presence of holy men." Printed for American Catholics, the volume concludes with portraits ("authentic likenesses") of His Eminence James Cardinal Gibbons (Baltimore), His Eminence William Cardinal O'Connell (Boston), and His Eminence John Cardinal Farley (New York). Thomas Bokenkotter. A Concise History of the Catholic Church.
Price: $100.00