[Fine bindings] Notovitch, Nicolas. La Vie inconnue de Jésus-Christ

Paris, P. Ollendorff, 1894. (4),IX,301,(3) p. One of only three deluxe copies printed on Japanese paper (this copy no. 3), in full morocco, spine w. gilt-beset raised bands, gilt borders, top edge gilt, orig. wr. preserved.

Spine and edges sl. rubbed, else a fine copy. The work purports to be a translation of the Tibetan manuscript Life of Saint Issa, Best of the Sons of Men, a hitherto in the West unknown account of the life of the historical Jesus. It sparked widespread controversy at the time; most modern scholars consider the text to be a fabrication.