This morning I finished reading ‘The Revolt of the Angels, Anatole France’s satirical novel based on a potential re-run of the Christian idea of the war in Heaven between the evil angels of Satan and those of St Michael on the side of good.
Fallen angels are brought to life in cities ancient and modern, and consort with human beings.
We begin with a mysterious chaos in an historic library and follow the tale through the next two hundred years. I will reveal no more of the story, save to say that it is written in the author’s usual flowing prose as ably translated by Mrs Wilfrid Jackson. Mine is the first illustrated edition, produced by The Bodley Head in 1924.
As regular readers will expect, the illustrations are by the estimable Frank C. Papé.
Here are the front board, and
the end papers.
There are the usual 12 plates worthy of close perusal,
and the vignettes at the ends of chapters. I have included a sample of these.
This afternoon I watched the BBC transmission of the Six Nations rugby match between Scotland and Wales.
I settled down to a recording of the England/Italy game after we dined on pizza and salad.
Those illustrations are ‘divine’!
Great word, Cynthia. Many thanks
I have some old books that sit in tissue in a box except for the occasions I take them out. Perhaps I should share them. Thank you for this
That would be interesting, Pleasant. Thanks very much
Wonderful illustrations! Hope the games went well 🙂
Glad you liked the illustrations. The games went well, but I slept through much of the England/Italy second half. 🙂 Thanks very much, Pauline
Sleep is good for restoring health, and you didn’t miss that much – it was all done by half time anyway. 🙂
Exactly – no real tension to keep me awake
🙂
Amazing illustrations! Hopefully your teams did well today, Derrick. My Derek watched soccer…what else is new! 🙂
The results were fine, Jill. Thanks very much
Sounds like my kind of book! Wonderful illustrations.
I think you would like it, Laurie. Thanks very much
Quite amazing illustrations, indeed!
Thanks very m much, Leslie
Stunning work
Thanks a lot, Dad
If you like that book, another more recent one you may enjoy is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Loads of fun.
Thanks very much, Oglach. It might take me some time to catch up with the 21st century 🙂
Marvelous illustrations; thank you for sharing, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
OH! These illustrations are heavenly! I love the details, the expressions on the faces, and the subject matter! 🙂 I’ve always been fascinated by all angels, but especially the fallen ones.
YAY for pizza and salad! We had turkey tacos (with peppers, onions, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa) and pinto beans! 🙂
(((HUGS)))
I’m looking forward to be facing such meals again, Carolyn. Many thanks 🙂
I like your dinner choice. Never have had turkey tacos. Need to try them!
Like you, I am fascinated by angels, too, but not the fallen ones! I like mine soaring and watching over me! <3
We roasted a turkey breast and shredded some of the meat. We just heat up corn tortilla shells, no frying. (You can fry them if you want to) The fill the warmed shells with turkey, onions, peppers, avocado, salsa, etc. You can put whatever you want in them. They are delicious! 🙂
Well, I must admit I am grateful for the warrior and guardian angels.
I do not see angels as wispy little frilly things. 🙂
Exceptional artwork! I find the front piece intriguing with the Fallen Angels firing cannon from earth at the heavens while ‘Holy’ fire rains down on them from heaven.
Hope your day will be a good one. 🙂
Well seen, Bob. Many thanks
That’s quite a treasure you have there, Derrick.
It is, indeed, GP. Thanks very much
Wonderful illustrations and the book is intriguing. Thanks for sharing some of it.
Thanks a lot, Sherry
What a treasure!
Thanks very much, Leslie
Those are quite wonderful illustrations, Derrick. It sounds like a cozy sort of day–and probably much needed.
Definitely, Merril. Thanks very much
The Bodley Head, soccer, and pizza: the perfect day!
Pretty good, eh, Linda. Thanks very much
What a fascinating book with wonderfully illustrated drawings. What a treasure to read.. And it makes you wonder, just where Myth and legend merge with truth and History doesn’t it.. 😀
Sending you both warm thoughts this breezy day that began with snow, now blue skies are overhead.. <3
Very many thanks, Sue. Myth, legend, truth, history – always matter for speculation.
??? indeed ?
Good to hear you’re back on a more substantial diet – I always worry when you’re off your food. Reading, resting and pizza – a good combination.
Thanks very much, Quercus
Those are beautiful illustrations, Derrick!
They are, indeed. Thanks very much, Lavinia
Gorgeous publication, Derrick. I distinctively remember Robinson Crusoe book we had at home. I would look through the illustrations for hours, as a child.
That’s good, Inese. Thanks very much
Fantastic illustrations!
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Great drawings – I especially liked the one of the devil running like a bat out of Hell.
Thanks very much, Jodie.
Excellent illustrations, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Clare
The detail in that art is extraordinary! 😀 … thank you for sharing them. 🙂
Thanks very much, Widders. The man was a genius
The illustrations transcend the reader to olden times when art such as that was frequently found in the books. I wonder how exquisite a graphical novel by those artists would have been.
Very many thanks, Uma. That was a golden age
With a maiden name of DeAngeles (of angels), I have reason to be fascinated with them These are delightful illustrations – very different, captivating, diverse. Some endearing. Some a little frightening. I am partial to the ones that seem more in keeping with my mental image of “angelic” of course. Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a restful evening.
Thanks very much, Jan. I can see that the illustrations would be especially intriguing for you
Interesting post Derrick
Many thanks, Gary
Wonderful illustrations.
Thanks very much, LL/PS