Marbling Methods and Receipts from Four Centuries with other instructions useful to bookbinders.<br />Limited edition of 500.

Kidlington, Oxford and New Castle, Delaware: The Plough Press and Oak Knoll Books, 1990. First and limited edition (500 unnumbered copies). Hardback. 85pp plus 6 pages of tipped-in samples at rear. Green cloth boards with inset panel, gilt on black, to upper board. No jacket. Edited and introduced by Barry McKay. The book is divided into a series of historical texts: 'How to Make and Design Turkish Paper' by Daniel Schwenter (1651 - 53); 'The Best Method of Painting Paper in the Turkish Manner' by Johannes Zahn (1685 - 86); 'Choice Secrets for Bookbinders' by Geoffrey Smith (1738); 'The Bookbinder's Pocket Companion' by James Sumner (1858); 'Short Instruction in the Art of Marbling' by Josef Halfer (post 1888); 'Book Edge Marbling' by 'Mancunian' (1909 - 1912). There is then a section of notes on the sources. There are 18 tipped-in samples of marbled papers at the end and also, at the front of the book, a tipped-in advertising page showing specimens of marbling produced using Halfer's Marbling Inks. The book is printed on acid-free Zerkall mouldmade paper. A fascinating and attractive book that 'seeks to draw together part of the wealth of experience and paucity of literature on the subject that has been written in Europe during the last four centuries.' Book in fine condition. Very small mark to lower edge of upper board.