Browse Items (236 total)

EnglishThis title by Bounhours demonstrates the reuse of the materials by bookbinders. In this particular case, a very refined and aesthetically pleasing handwriting adds to the charm of this “recycled” bookbinding. The hand is unknown; does it stem…

English The endpapers of this accounting “textbook” by François Barrême, a very popular work in its time, was used by its owner to puzzle out practical exercises of calculation, including problems and answers. French Les pages de gardes du livre de…

English This printed ex-libris, attached to the “von Ende” family of Altjessnitz, Germany, appears on the interior pastedown of this book. It serves to remind us that the ex-libris was also considered an art form during certain eras for bibliophiles,…

English This first example is that of what is termed an “armorial binding”, where the coat of arms of an aristocratic family will serve to indicate ownership on a book’s binding. Such bindings are executed with exquisite care and a family’s arms are…

English This bookplate of Fréderic Lachèvre (1855-1943), French bibliophile, literary critic, editor, and specialist in 17th century literature of the Libertines, is remarkable for the finesse of its engraving. The image of the skull resting on a…

EnglishAn ex-libris embossed on a leather over was one way of indicating ownership of a book. In this example, however, we do not see a familial coat of arms, as can be seen in image no.8, but the “Quebec Library” choosing to simply spell out its…

English This binding in blonde calf, with hand-tooled motifs generated by many decorative finishing tools, is an example of “fanfare” binding. A “frame” is generated by a series of straight lines tooled into the leather, while the covers are…

English This binding is a geometric juxtaposition of blue and red morocco leathers with a centerpiece, also sporting tooled decoration in gilt, in white parchment. The binding is signed by G. Samucewicz, and although one sees mention of the binder in…

EnglishThis speckled calf binding is created using a technique of depositing fine drops of acid on the binding’s leather to achieve the visual effect. A late 19th or early 20th century rebinding, this binding is executed in the “Cambridge” style.…