The Psalmbook

Psalms, the book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, is composed of sacred songs, or of sacred poems meant to be sung. These poems are often considered the most significant passages for religious liturgy and also some of the most beautiful literature in the world. The Mason Hill Press produced a beautiful, modernized version of The Psalmbook in 1978. The wood-engraved initials were created by Mark Livingston. Each psalm opens with one of Livingston’s vibrantly colored calligraphic initials or word alternating in colors of red, blue, or green. The 150 calligraphic initials, words, and phrases vary in style, size, and color in relation to the meaning of the text. Livingston’s work continues with two engraved end-pieces. The 1611 King James version of the Bible was used, with reference to the Biblia Hebraica. The edition was printed on J.B. Green handmade paper and limited to only 175 copies and were bound by Helen Warren DeGolyer, a member of a notable Texas family of bibliophiles.