Arthur Szyk (1894-1951) was a graphic artist, book illustrator, stage designer and caricaturist. He was born into a Jewish family in Lodz, in the part of Poland which was under Russian rule in the 19th century. He always regarded himself both as a Pole and a Jew. From 1921, he lived and created his works mainly in France and Poland, and in 1937 moved to the United Kingdom. In 1940, he settled permanently in the United States, where he was granted American citizenship in 1948.

Szyk is best known for his political drawings, particularly of Hitler during his rise to power, as well as for his magnificent Haggadah, which was published in London in 1940 and was dedicated by Szyk to King George VI. The work was widely acclaimed by critics; according to The Times, it was 'Worthy to be placed among the most beautiful of books that the hand of man has ever produced'.

The Book of Ruth is part of the Ketuvim ('Writings'), the third section of the Hebrew Bible. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moavian young woman who has converted to Judaism and became the great grandmother of King David.

Limited edition, no. 1017 of 1950 copies, signed by the illustrator; 4to (31 x 22.5 cm); 8 colour illustrations, signed by the illustrator to the limitation page, gilt capitals; publisher's cream half leather, white paper boards with gilt pictorial motif to upper board, spine lettered in gilt, housed in publisher's gold slipcase, spine of slip case chipping, touch of rubbing to leather spine; text in English; a very good attractive copy.