The opening of the book details the intention behind compiling this illustrated gallery, highlighting the immense popularity of Doré’s original, more expensive editions. It emphasizes the meticulous selection of illustrations that resonate with significant biblical narratives and the critical appreciation they have garnered over time. Alongside each engraving, there is narrative text that offers brief analyses and context, enriching the viewer's understanding of both the illustrations and the scripture from which they draw inspiration. The beginning establishes Doré’s artistic genius, showcasing his capacity to bring biblical stories to life through striking visual representation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)