DOBBINS, Frank S. Error's Chains: How Forged and Broken. A Complete, Graphic, and Comparative History of the Many Strange Beliefs, Superstitious Practices, Mystic Peculiarities, Sacred Writings, Systems of Philosophy, Legends and Traditions, Customs and Habits of Mankind Throughout the World, Ancient and Modern. New York: Standard Publishing House, 1883. First Edition. Thick Octavo, profusely illustrated.
This late 19th-century work stands as a landmark text in the early American comparative religion and anthropology. Written by the missionary Frank S. Dobbins during his tenure in Yokohama, Japan—and assisted by Sinologist S. Wells Williams and biblical scholar Isaac H. Hall—this volume attempts a global, cross-cultural study of the world's spiritual traditions.
Dobbins treats the reader to a sweeping exploration of human belief systems, ranging from ancient mythologies and "primitive" animism to the major world religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. What truly sets this work apart is its breathtaking engravings. The volume is illustrated with striking, intricate wood engravings sourced from authentic archaeological and ethnographic accounts of the period. Highlights include dramatic depictions of mysterious religious rites, ancient temple architecture, sacred idols (such as the "Ancient Serpent Idol"), and symbolic cultural allegories. It captures a fascinating cultural moment when the Western world.
Battle Creek Calligraphy Presentation: Inscribed on the blank flyleaf is a folk-art style presentation inscription in ink: "Presented To William Stearns By H. L. Voorhees June 22nd 1898." Flanking the names are two beautifully hand-drawn athletic or collegiate pennants bearing stylized initials, with the words "Battle Creek" and "Michigan" elegantly penned underneath. This beautiful bit of late-Victorian Americana firmly ties the ownership of this specific volume to the historic, vibrant intellectual and religious community of Battle Creek at the turn of the century.
• Binding: Hardcover bound in a striking, rich chocolate-brown artisan full leather binding. The front and rear boards feature a unique, deep cross-hatched geometric blind-stamped pattern meeting at a central medallion motif, lending the volume a rugged, antiquarian aesthetic. The leather is supple, beautifully polished, and structurally sound.
• Interior: Complete text block with all illustrations present, including the heavily detailed allegorical frontispiece and illustrated title page. The are well-preserved with a gentle, uniform age-toning. Only occasional, very light peripheral handling smudges and frayed edges are present. Please review all photos very closely as a condition report aw well.
