Prayers from the Ark by Carmen Bernos de Gasztold

Prayers from the Ark by Carmen Bernos de Gasztold is a beautifully written and enduring spiritual classic that blends poetry, devotion, and gentle philosophical reflection through the imagined voices of the animals aboard Noah’s Ark. This 1967 English hardcover reprint, published by Macmillan, features the acclaimed translation and foreword by celebrated author Rumer Godden, whose elegant prose helped introduce this beloved French work to English-speaking audiences.

Prayers from the Ark presents a series of lyrical prayers spoken by creatures great and small, each reflecting human emotions, virtues, fears, and hopes in a uniquely compassionate and often quietly humorous way. Through the voices of animals such as the cat, elephant, donkey, and lion, Bernos de Gasztold explores themes of humility, gratitude, faith, innocence, and spiritual longing. The result is a timeless devotional work appreciated by readers of all ages, collectors of religious and poetic literature, and admirers of mid-century illustrated books.

This edition of Prayers from the Ark is enhanced by delicate illustrations by Jean Primrose, whose understated artwork complements the contemplative nature of the text. The attractive green and white patterned boards remain presentable, while the original clipped dust jacket, though in poor condition and largely missing along the spine, is still retained and protected with old tape repairs.

A desirable vintage edition for collectors of Christian literature, Rumer Godden works, illustrated devotional books, and mid-20th century literary publishing.

Condition – Very Good

1967 English hardcover edition. Very good book with prior ownership details in ink on the inner cover and an ink inscription on the endpaper. Binding remains sound and internally generally clean. Original clipped dust jacket present but in poor condition, heavily worn and tape repaired, with the spine section mostly missing.