[Illuminated MSS | Fine Binding] The Temptation of Friar Gonsol

Field, Eugene. The Temptation of Friar Gonsol: The Story of the Devil, Two Saints, and a Booke. A charming illuminated manuscript by Walter Cummings Allen (signed in the colophon at the rear), begun in 1909 and completed in 1926. 27pp. Written out on thick paper in black and red, with 27 small initials in gold, accented with red, blue, or green, along with 10 large initials in gold, beautifully executed in shades of red, blue, green, and yellow, with white accents. Bound in black crushed morocco with "FRIAR GONSOL" in gilt to the front cover with a small array of gilt dots underneath. Five bands to spine, gilt-ruled. Gilt-ruled turn-ins with dark green marbled endpapers. Measures approx. 5" x 8". Turn-ins a bit dusty, but overall in very nice shape. 

Having previously owned a binding executed by Allen's wife, Alice Margaret Allen, it is most likely that she was the binder of the present volume, as well. Walter Cummings Allen (1867-1948) was born in San Francisco, and worked as an electrical engineer--one of the nation's first--for his entire career. In his role in the District of Columbia (where this volume was completed), he oversaw the construction and expansion of D.C.'s electrical grid. He was in the news as recently as a few months ago (August 2024), when the house that he commissioned Waddy B. Wood to design as a wedding gift for his wife went up for sale.

While I was unable to find a reference to any calligraphy/illumination training Allen may have received, given his extended residence in Washington D.C., Philip Bishop (Mosher Books) has noted that prominent D.C-based bookbinder, calligrapher, and illuminator Marian Lane (1874-1963) may have been responsible for instructing both Walter and Alice in their respective crafts. Regardless, this manuscript clearly was a labor of love, completed over the span of 17 years, and was quite skillfully executed.

"...[Eugene] Field left...[a] colorful mark on...debates about modern materialism and spirituality through his satirical short story, The Temptation of Friar Gonsol. When tempted by the devil over a rare book, Gonsol [meant to represent Field's good friend Frank W. Gunsaulus] found himself unable to resist. In the story, Friar Gonsol and another man of God race each other to be the first to acquire the valuable book from Satan. Launching a crusade against the devil, the two clergymen appear pious in their zealous offensive, even though they are both after material gain. Field’s satire called into question the relationship of modern material pursuits to piety" ("A Capitalist's Social Gospel: Frank Wakeley Gunsaulus and the Promise of Upward Mobility, 1875-1921", Pretzer).