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Rare and Antiquarian Books

Fine Bindings

Part of what makes antiquarian books so collectible are their fine and delicate bindings, and the tradition of book binding has come a long way since the clay tablets and palm fronds of the ancient world. After binders moved from clay and palm leaves, they began binding sheets of vellum, or calf skin. The sheets were bound with wooden boards and then connected with strips of leather. As the art of bookbinding became much more accepted, certain binders began to attach precious gemstones and metals in the bindings themselves. Although many of these books were destroyed because looters wanted to steal the gems, there are still a few books that remain with these rare and unique bindings. Of course, there are other types of fine bindings as well. Long-stitch bookbinding can still be found today in many types of journals. Long-stitch bindings feature the sewing together of sections of a book. It originated in Germany in the medieval era and has been used ever since. Similarly, Ethiopian bookbinding features a chain-stitch sewing method that uses two needles. Interestingly, though the covers were the typical wooden boards, they were left uncovered and often unadorned. Books with fine bindings are themselves works of art, and they bring added value and color to any collection. Whether book collectors choose to focus on one type of binding or whether they wish to embrace the wide diversity of bindings, any of these books would greatly enhance their collection.

THE FLORENTINE HISTORIE. Written in the Italian tongue, by Nicholo Macchiavelli, Citizen and...
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THE FLORENTINE HISTORIE. Written in the Italian tongue, by Nicholo Macchiavelli, Citizen and Secretarie of Florence. And translated into English by T. B. [Thomas Bedingfield] Esquire.

by MACHIAVELLI. NICCOLO

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Paul Foster Books
London, United Kingdom
Item Price
$16,113.45

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Description:
Printed by T. C. [Thomas Creede] for W. P. [William Ponsonby]. London. 1595. FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. Folio. (11.1 x 7.5 inches). x11,222pp. Lacking last, blank, leaf, all text complete. Decorated with woodcut engraved ornamental title page and engraved head and tailpieces. Tiny (3mm deep) chip to the fore edge of the title page and the first few leaves are just a little browned but overall a lovely clean and crisp copy with good margins. Finely bound in recent 'Grolier' period style full calf binding. Spine with five raised bands. Compartments ruled, lettered and fully decorated in gilt. Burgundy title label, gilt. Triple blind ruled border on boards, surrounding a triple blind ruled panel which frames an elaborate decorative onlay and gilt design. A lovely copy in a fine period style binding of this rare work. "The first example in Italian literature of a national biography" (Britannica). "In the Florentine Histories Machiavelli has the chance to make the protagonists speak in their own voices to… Read More
Item Price
$16,113.45
The Alchemist (Signed & Sealed Easton Press Edition)
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The Alchemist (Signed & Sealed Easton Press Edition)

by Paulo Coehlo

  • Used
  • Fine
  • Hardcover
  • Signed
  • first
Condition
Used - Fine
Edition
1st Ed
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780062439994
ISBN 10
0062439995
Seller
Bookcharmed
Roselle Park, New Jersey
Item Price
$285.00

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Description:
Easton Press, 2018. 1st Ed. Hardcover. Fine. 8x5x0. Signed. SUMPTUOUS leather-bound EASTON PRESS EDITION SIGNED BY PAULO COELHO and still sealed in the publisher's shrinkwrap! Obviously brand new and in gorgeous gift-quality condition. Expedited shipping is welcome; signed by author.
Item Price
$285.00
THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY BIBLE THE HOLY BIBLE
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THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY BIBLE THE HOLY BIBLE

by John Eadie

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Sephora di Elena Serru
Foligno (PG), Italy
Item Price
$335.19

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Description:
GILPIN & COMPANY . Bella edizione di fine ottocento di questa Bibbia familiare molto in voga in Inghilterra durante l'epoca Vittoriana. <BR><BR>Edizione curata dal Reverendo John Eadie.<BR><BR>Testo inglese con commento di Scott ed Henry contenente numerose note esplicative e critiche selezionate dai grandi autori.<BR><BR>Nella prima parte numerose pagine (mai compilate) con il registro della famiglia, matrimoni, nomi dei figli, morti, galleria dei ritratti di famiglia.<BR><BR>Frontespizio figurato coperto da velina e 25 planches coperte da velina incise da Laplante, Pisan su disegno di Gustave Dore e planches colorate.<BR><BR>Copertina in piena pelle con disegni a rilievo e decorazioni in oro. Borchie di metallo agli angoli e fermagli di chiusura. <BR><BR>In buone condizioni.<BR>Copertina in piena pelle a quattro nervi con titolo in oro al dorso in discrete condizioni generali con lievi usure ai margini e dorso.… Read More
Item Price
$335.19
ARIOSTS RASENDER ROLAND (Orlando Furioso). Illustrirt von Gustav Dore. Metrisch Übersetzt von...
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ARIOSTS RASENDER ROLAND (Orlando Furioso). Illustrirt von Gustav Dore. Metrisch Übersetzt von Hermann Kurz. Durchgesehen und herausgegeben von Paul Heyse - FOLIO PRACHTEINBAND - ERSTE DEUTSCHE AUFLAGE

by ARIOST (Ludovico Ariosto) - GUSTAVE DORE

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Very Good
Edition
First Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
M.Pollak Antiquariat - Est.1899
Tel-Aviv, Israel
Item Price
$800.00

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Description:
Breslau: S. Schotlaender, 1880. First Edition . Hardcover. Very Good. Folio. Gustave Dore. Ariosto's deutsche Übersetzung des "ORLANDO FURIOSO" in der Original-Prachtausgabe von 1880. Wunderschöner Belle Epoque Original-Ganzledereinband (33 x 43,5 x 6cm) mit Goldverzierung. Mit 82 ganzseitigen Holzschnitten und über 600 Textabbildungen von GUSTAVE DORE. Einband an den Kanten minimal berieben, sonst schön erhalten, Schnitt golden, innen sehr frisch .- ERSTE DEUTSCHE AUSGABE MIT DEN ILLUSTRATIONEN VON GUSTAVE DORE. FIRST GERMAN EDITION WITH THE ILLUSTRATIONS BY GUSTAVE DORE. - FIRST GERMAN DE-LUXE EDITION WITH THE ILLUSTRATIONS BY GUSTAVE DORE. Very attractive binding (13 * 17,1 * 2,36 inch) Edges of binding with minor minimal rubbing (please see photograph). Edges of pages gilt. Inside clean and fresh.
Item Price
$800.00
History of the Consulate and the Empire of France Under Napoleon
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History of the Consulate and the Empire of France Under Napoleon: Forming a Sequel to "The History of the French Revolution"

by M. Adolphe Thiers

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Very Fine
Edition
First
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
River House Books
San Antonio, Texas
Item Price
$3,500.00

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Description:
Hardcover. Book Condition: Very Fine. First Edition. Printer: Henry Colburn, London, 1845. Twenty volumes bound in ten. 1845-1862. Translated by D. Forbes Campbell. The only Authorized Edition. Finely bound in 1/2 red calf, elaborately gilt decorated spines with red labels, gilt ruled covers, and gilt decorated dentelles. Marbled boards. Volume (1-2) illustrated with portrait frontispieces. 272pp and 252pp. (3-4) , 328pp; 322pp has pictorial frontispiece. (5-6) , 254pp; 302pp. (7-8) ,362pp; 378pp. (9) , 318pp. (10-11) , 230pp; 192pp. (12-13) 240pp; 251pp. (14-15) , 286pp; 253pp. (16-17) , 277pp; 480pp. (18-19) , 390pp; 361pp. And (20) , 440pp. Text blocks tight, clean & intact. No foxing wear or fading; this is in superb condition. Internally hinges perfect condition all strong and intact. Paste downs perfect condition gilt decoration to three edges, marbled papers. End papers perfect condition marbled. 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 6170 pages. Multiple volume set; S&H will be adjusted.A remarkable handsome set… Read More
Item Price
$3,500.00
The HOLY BIBLE: Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated Out of the Original Tongues,...
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The HOLY BIBLE: Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated Out of the Original Tongues, with Cruden's Complete Concordance ,...Comprehensive Bible Dictionary ...2000 Illustrative Engravings on Steel, Wood, and in Colors

by Rev. Alfred Nevin, Rev. John Eadie, et al

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
Later Printing
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Dale Steffey Books, ABAA
Bloomington, Indiana
Item Price
$900.00

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Description:
Philadelphia/ Columbus, Ohio : Bradley Garretson & Co./ Wm. Garretson & Co. , 1882. Ornately bound in full deeply embossed calf with ornate gilt decorations front and back covers, lavishly gilt decorated back, moire silk end papers, all edges gilt. Illustrated with 8 color maps, engravings on steel and wood, chromo-lithographs of scriptural natural history, botany and zoology. Family Portraits section at rear with 6 period photoraphs of family members, uncaptioned. Presentation Page from Oral T. Hall to John A Hall ( possibly Ball)? Near Fine, light rubbing to leather. small tear bottom edge front end page. A presentation Bible of the day in wonderful condition. ** A large and heavy book, will require additional postage charges for priority and international mail shipping. Please inquire before ordering. Free media mail shipping. . Later Printing. Calf. Near Fine/No Jacket, As Issued. Thick Folio .
Item Price
$900.00
THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
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THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

by CHURCHILL. WINSTON. S

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Paul Foster Books
London, United Kingdom
Item Price
$2,843.55

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Description:
Cassell & Co. ltd. London. 1948-54. FIRST EDITION. First impression. Six volumes. 8vo. Illustrated throughout with maps and plans, many folding. A bright, clean set, which has been finely bound in recent full dark blue morocco leather. The spines with raised bands, twin red labels, gilt. Spine compartments ruled and decorated with gilt stamped rampant lion device. Single gilt ruled border on boards. All edges gilt. A fine set of Churchill's monumental history.
Item Price
$2,843.55
Theologia naturalis; sive, Liber creaturarum specialiter de homine et de natura ejus in quantum...
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Theologia naturalis; sive, Liber creaturarum specialiter de homine et de natura ejus in quantum homo: et de his que sunt ei necessaria ad cognoscendum seipsum et Deum, et omne debitum ad quod homo tenetur et obligatur tam Deo quam proximo.

by De Sabunde, Raymundus (Raimundus Sabundus, Raymond of Sebonde or Ramon Sibiuda, Catalan scholar, c.1385-1436)

  • Used
  • Fine
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Fine
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Lyppard Books
Worcester, United Kingdom
Item Price
$4,107.35

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Description:
Strasbourg: Argentinae: Ex officina Martini Flach junioris, 1501. Half leather. Fine. Folio, printed in Strassburg by Martin Flach, 7 February 1501; 161 unnumbered leaves. BINDING: new Gothic hand-sewn oak binding by Arthur Green of Malvern; tawed quarter leather over quarter-sawn oak boards, quires hand-sewn on four double-cords creating four raised spine bands, board leather blind-tooled with period style rosettes and fleurs-de-lys within panel of diagonal blind triple fillets, hand-sewn Gothic double headbands of alternate hand-dyed indigo and undyed linen thread, hand-made brass hasps and clasps ornamented in period style; an exceptionally attractive recreation of a Gothic hand-sewn binding employing medieval techniques contemporaneous with the date the book was printed. COLLATION: [pi]6, a2-8, b-y6, z8, zeta6, antisigma8; leaf a1 excised and subsequent first few lines of a2[recto] redacted in black ink in the sixteenth century by the inquisitor for its heretical content (see below).… Read More
Item Price
$4,107.35
Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, (Complete). From the Twelfth London Edition....
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Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, (Complete). From the Twelfth London Edition. Illustrated

by Browning, Elizabeth Barrett

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
First Edition Thus
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Dale Steffey Books, ABAA
Bloomington, Indiana
Item Price
$250.00

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Description:
Troy, New York: NIms and Knight, 1887. Uncommon edition, and SCARCE in such lovely condition. In publisher's original marigold cloth with intricate floral embossed background surrounding author's name on gilt field and her portrait, gilt spine. sweet floral end papers, all edges gilt. vi, 520 pages. Near Fine, lovely period gift inscription front end page, light rubs at spine ends, title page evenly browned due to tissue guard. A gorgeous copy indeed. . First Edition Thus. Embossed Cloth. Near Fine/No Jacket, As Issued. Tall 8vo.
Item Price
$250.00
PETER AND WENDY.
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PETER AND WENDY.

by BARRIE. J. M; BEDFORD. F. D. Illustrates

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Paul Foster Books
London, United Kingdom
Item Price
$758.28

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Description:
Hodder and Stoughton Ltd. London. No Date. circa 1922. EARLY EDITION, with extra colour plate. 8vo. (7.5 x 6 inches). Complete, and with one more illustration than the original 1911 edition. Full colour illustrated frontispiece mounted onto grey art paper and with a tissue guard, decorative mono title page and twelve full page mono plates by Bedford. Internally this is a very good, bright and clean copy, in an attractive early half leather binding by Sangorski and Sutcliffe, of London, for E. P. Dutton & Company, New York. Half dark green calf. Spine with raised bands, each with gilt piping. Compartments fully decorated and ruled in gilt. Twin burgundy labels, ruled, decorated and lettered in gilt. Marbled paper on boards. Top edge gilt. Marbled endpapers. Off white silk bookmark. Rubbing to the outer layer of the leather on the binding edges, particularly the hinge on the lower board, but both hinges still firm and strong and still an attractive binding. A good looking copy of this classic title,… Read More
Item Price
$758.28
Complete 14 Volume Set Of Little Journeys To The Homes Of The Great
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Complete 14 Volume Set Of Little Journeys To The Homes Of The Great

by Elbert Hubbard

  • Used
  • Fine
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Fine
Edition
First
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
NW Literature
Port Angeles, Washington
Item Price
$800.00

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Description:
This Complete Fourteen Volume Set Of Little Journeys To The Homes Of The Great, By Elbert Hubbard, Is The Memorial Edition Dated 1916. These Books Were Printed By The Roycrofters And Published By William H. Wise & Co., New York. The Books Are Bound In A Dark Flexible Leatherette With Decorative Embossed Fronts And Spines. There Is A Tissue Guarded Photo Print In Each Volume. The Books Still Have Intact The Original Brown Silk Ribbon Bookmarks. The Pages Are Hand Cut With Deckled Edges On Side And Bottom. The Top Edge Is Gilded. The Books Measure 8 1/2" x 6 1/2". The Inside Pages Are In Excellent Condition. Excellent/fine condition.
Item Price
$800.00
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. A New Edition. In Twelve Volumes
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The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. A New Edition. In Twelve Volumes

by Gibbon, Edward

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
New Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Dale Steffey Books, ABAA
Bloomington, Indiana
Item Price
$5,000.00

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Description:
London: Printed for A. Strahan and T. Caddell, Jun. And W. Davies, in the Strand , 1797. The complete twelve volume set of Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", the "New Edition", published 1797. With engraved frontispiece and folding map of the Parts of Europe & Asia adjacent to Constantinople, and large folding map of the Western part of the Roman Empire in volume I; and folding map volume II, being the Eastern part of the Roman Empire. Bound in contemporary marbled calf with old rebacking and recent professional restorations to caps and corners, now in custom mylar sleeves. Near Fine, widely scattered moderate toning throughout, a quite handsome and solid set. With excellent historical provenance, bearing the armorial bookplates and ownership signatures ("Edward Cooper Hodge from T.W. 1830") in each volume. Edward Cooper Hodge (General Sir) (1810 - 1894), was a British Army officer who as a Lieutenant-Colonel commanded the 4th (Royal Irish)… Read More
Item Price
$5,000.00
THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER.
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THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER.

by TWAIN. MARK. (Clemens. Samuel L. ).

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Paul Foster Books
London, United Kingdom
Item Price
$7,266.85

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Description:
Chatto & Windus, Piccadilly. London. 1876. FIRST EDITION. First impression. 8vo. (7.8 x 5.9 inches). A few small marks to just a handful of pages but generally this is a clean and bright copy throughout. Finely bound in recent full red morocco. Spine with five raised bands. Gilt ruling, lettering and decorations to compartments. Single gilt ruled border on boards. Top edge gilt, others untrimmed. Original publishers decorative front board and spine, which is rubbed and toned, have been bound in at the rear. Overall a very good attractive copy of the true first edition of this classic book. First published in England in order to secure a British copyright, the London edition precedes the American edition by about six months.
Item Price
$7,266.85
REBECCA.
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REBECCA.

by DU MAURIER. DAPHNE

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used
Edition
First edition.
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Paul Foster Books
London, United Kingdom
Item Price
$1,105.82

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Description:
Victor Gollancz Limited. London. 1938. FIRST EDITION. 8vo. (7.9 x 5.4 inches). Some very minor browning to the page edges, as is common with the cheap paper used in this book, and a couple of pages with a crease to the outer corner of the page, otherwise a very good copy finely bound in recent full black morocco, spine with five raised bands, the compartments lettered, ruled and decorated in gilt. Top edge gilt.
Item Price
$1,105.82
Finnegans Wake
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Finnegans Wake

by Joyce, James

  • New
  • Hardcover
  • Signed
  • first
Condition
New
Edition
First Edition; hors commerce
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780954771010
ISBN 10
095477101X
Seller
Houyhnhnm Press & Ithys Press
Ballydehob, Cork
Item Price
$1,340.76

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Description:
First Edition. New. One of 24 hors commerce copies of the Special Issue. The first critically emended and completely reset edition of James Joyce's Finnegans Wake since its original publication in 1939. Edited by Danis Rose and John O'Hanlon, designed by Martino Mardersteig, set in the Dante Val typeface, and printed offset and bound by Stamperia Valdonega, Verona for Houyhnhnm Press, Dublin. This First Edition is limited to a Special Issue consisting of 26 Lettered, 150 Numbered and 24 Hors Commerce copies printed on Magnani Mould made paper and hardbound in black calfskin; and a Trade Issue of 800 copies printed on Arcoprint and hardbound in black Imitlin and presented in a grey card slipcase.
Item Price
$1,340.76