Manuscript & Inscription Letters; For Schools & Classes & for the use of Craftsmen (Portfolio No. 2, "School Copies & Examples") by Johnston, Edward; Gill, A. E. R. (Plates) - 1909

London: John Hogg, 1909. Folio in a case. Very good. Folio size, 16 loose pp. Uruguayan-British craftsman Edward Johnston (1872-1944) is considered the father of modern calligraphy, best known for designing the Johnston typeface, which was used for signage in the London Underground. This collection of typography is intended for students of calligraphy, to form a basis of the art and unite both legibility and beauty in lettering. Johnston writes in a preface to the pages: "It is possible even now to go back to the child's - something like the early calligrapher's - point of view, and this is the only healthy one for any fine beginning: to this nothing can be added; all Rules must give way to Truth and Freedom." The folio contains examples of various typefaces with notes on their uses in bookmaking and penmanship. Included also are four plates created by noted printmaker and typographer Eric Gill (1882-1940), three of letters carved on stone and one of letters used for sign-writing, and one photo-lithograph of an alphabet drawn by Gill. ___DESCRIPTION: Quarter tan cloth with blue paper boards, with original ribbon ties, black lettering on the front board (including original price), two thick paper flaps on the top and bottom of the back board to hold pages, front paste-down endpaper with information about the book and typography, rear paste-down endpaper with an advertisement of other books from "The Artistic Crafts Series of Technical Handbooks", sixteen loose pages of typography examples, five black-and-white plates of typography by Eric Gill; folio size (12.75" by 10"), unpaginated. Loosely laid in is an advertisement for the purchase of plaster casts of the plates made by Eric Gill. ___CONDITION: The case is very good, with strong hinges, clean endpapers, and strong attachments of the ties; overall soiling to the boards, corners and edges are rubbed, top corners are bumped, paper flaps are slightly loose, and there are prior owner pencil markings on the top flap. The loose pages are near fine, clean without creasing or wear, with some minor toning to the margins, else fine. The advertisement is fine, clean and bright, without wear. ___CITATION: Gill no. 306. ___POSTAGE:  International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.