A rare work, published by Zvenigorodskiy himself: one of 300 copies published, with a hand-written dedication from the author.

It gives a detailed analysis of various sections of the celebrated collection, and is considered to be part of a 'trio' together with Kondakov's 'Byzantine Enamels' and Stasov's 'History of the Book: the Byzantine Enamels'.

The book's history is detailed in three manuscript inscriptions, the first a personal dedication to the Provost of Cologne Cathedral, Dr. Franz Karl Berlage (1835-1917), from the author himself, made out in Aachen and dated 10 November 1897. The second, signed M. Gladbach, explains that when Dr. Berlage died, he left the book to his relatives, the family of Dr. Gerhard Heinen. In turn, Dr. Heinen gave the book to the architect Peter Weckop as a gift on 6 May 1942: 'Von Dompropst Dr. Berlage was dieses Buch dirch Erbschaft an seine Verwandten, der Familie Dr. med. Gerh. Heinen, gekommen. Von dieser erhielt der Architekt Peter Weckop das Buch am 6.5.1942 zum Geschenk. M. Gladbach.'

Overleaf we learn that Gladbach, a doctor, was Weckop's son-in-law; in a note dated 17 September 1960, Weckop himself writes that he is sending the book to his daughter Elisabeth and her new husband.

Presentation copy, signed by Bock, limited edition, this numbered 203 of 300 copies, 8vo (24 x 15.5 cm); printed dedication leaf, with the author's signature and an additional manuscript inscription signed by Bock on the front free endpaper; XIII, 3-448 pp. with 18 woodengravings in text, and 33 plates including one printed in gold and colours and one double-page; original publisher cloth, with rich ornaments in brown and gilt, all edges gilt, violet silk bookmark; upper cover very slightly rubbed, else a fine copy.