English Heraldic Book-Stamps by Davenport, C - 1909

Archibald Constable & Co. Ltd, London, first edition, 1909. Cloth, top edge gilt, 8vo,. vii, 450, [1] pp, numerous ills. From a contemporary review in 'The Library': " Of all marks of ownership in books, that of stamping the possessor's arms in gold on the covers of a good leather binding is the most dignified and durable...any modern book-buyer who becomes possessed of a volume bearing an armorial stamp naturally desires to know to whom the arms belonged, and Mr. Davenport has used his wide knowledge of heraldry and his artistic skill to excellent purpose in describing and figuring the three hundred or so book-stamps which illustrate his fine volume. The stamps have been most carefully copied and reproduced, the armorial bearings are described with full technical accuracy, and a series of business-like biographies state the main facts of the careers of all the important owners. In addition to this, Mr. Davenport has prefaced his book with an admirable introduction, which offers… Read More