Alexander Cruden, M. A

Book Description

Philadelphia: Published by Kimber, Conrad & Co. No. 93 Market Street, circa 1813. Line engraving. In good condition with the exception of some paper loss to the upper margin. Isolated foxing in margins. Image size: 8 1/8 x 6 1/4 inches. 10 x 7 1/2 inches. 11 3/16 x 8 11/16 inches. A wonderful portrait of the eccentric Alexander Cruden, the author of the 'Biblical Concordance'. Alexander Cruden (1701-1770) is best known for his 'Biblical Concordance', which is a dictionary that lists the words that appear in the Bible and shows in what verses they can be found. This scholastic contribution made his name a household word and secured him a place in Church history. Despite this seminal contribution many stories have been told of Cruden's eccentricities. He thought himself divinely appointed as the public censor, especially in regard to swearing and Sabbath keeping, and took the title " Alexander the Corrector." He went about London with a sponge, erasing obscene words on walls. He appeared as candidate for Parliament in 1754, applied for knighthood, sought to marry the daughter of the Lord Mayor of London, and paid unwelcome and embarrassing addresses to other young ladies. To promote his schemes he issued several extraordinary pamphlets. But not withstanding all this, he was kind-hearted, benevolent, fearless in the discharge of duty, a useful citizen, and a humble, devout Christian. He was honored and respected in his day as a true moral and religious crusader and is remembered today for his invaluable contribution to Biblical scholarship. William Kneass was an accomplished engraver who worked in Philadelphia from 1805 to 1840. He worked predominantly in line engraving but he also produced a number of fine aquatint views. He was a valued member of the engraving firm Kneass & Dellaker where he engraved many fine portraits and book illustrations. In 1824 he was appointed engraver and die-sinker at the U.S Mint, a position that was considered extremely prestigious and indicated his considerable technical ability. Stauffer, American Engravers on Copper and Steel Vol 1, p. 153-154; Stauffer, American Engravers on Copper and Steel Vol II, p. 275, No. 1648

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