A Show at Sho' Cards. by GRAPHIC DESIGN / VISUAL MERCHANDISING) Atkinson, F.H. & G.W. Atkinson - 1912-1913.

Chicago.: Frederick J. Drake and Co.. First Edition (?).. 1912-1913.. Hard cover volume 11 1/2 x 8 3/4 inches, 48 numbered pages plus copious unnumbered pages dealing with the preparation of advertising "show cards" for use in department stores or other places of business in which attention needs to be directed to specific goods for sale or offerings of a more generic nature. Numbered plates 7 through 43 illustrate various forms of artistic lettering (pp 1 through 6 not present—perhaps too useful to show card artists) while the balance of the volume is comprised of multitudinous examples of the hand drawn final product. All illustrations in black and white. The book (based on smudges, etc.) was clearly a valued text focusing on the preparation of advertising cards, its examples diligently studied by sign and show card painters. This volume evidently a first edition; several subsequent editions are listed in WorldCat. Covers show wear and are reinforced with heavy paper strips on verso of covers which hold the book together quite well. Occasional pencil notation on text pages, some smudges, etc. A curious example from over a century ago of what today is chiefly a vanished craft. A heavy book; extra postage will likely be required. .