Add to Want List
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.

Results 1 - 15 of 983
QUALITY STREET. A comedy in four acts

QUALITY STREET. A comedy in four acts

by THOMSON, HUGH. Illustrates. ; BARRIE. J. M

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • Signed
  • first
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
London, Greater London
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$322.85
$18.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Hodder and Stoughton. London. 1913. LIMITED DELUXE EDITION, SIGNED BY THE ARTIST. One of 1000 numbered copies. 4to.(12.5 x 10.3 inches). 22 mounted colour plates, each with a printed tissue guard. Publishers full vellum binding with elaborate gilt decoration to front board,within double gilt and triple blue ruled borders. Spine lettered and decorated in gilt. Top edge gilt,others untrimmed. As often with these deluxe editions the silk ties are missing from the boards. Overall a very good copy of this highly decorative and beautiful book.
Item Price
$322.85
$18.00 shipping to USA
MANSFIELD PARK. With an introduction by Austin Dobson
More Photos

MANSFIELD PARK. With an introduction by Austin Dobson

by AUSTEN. JANE. ; Thomson. Hugh. Illustrates

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
London, Greater London
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$419.71
$18.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Macmillan and Co. London. 1908. Reprint. 8vo.(7.7 x 5.3 inches). 40 full page line illustrations. A very good copy bound in fine quality early twentieth century leather binding. Half red calf. Spine with raised bands, twin brown labels and compartments fully gilt. Red cloth on boards. Red marbled endpapers. Top edge gilt. Binding by Young and Sons of Liverpool. Aside from some minor rubbing to the edges this is a very good, clean copy of this classic, beautifully illustrated, edition in an attractive fine early binding.:
Item Price
$419.71
$18.00 shipping to USA
La Chasse de Kaa
More Photos

La Chasse de Kaa

by KIPLING, Rudyard

  • Used
Condition
Used
Edition
Limited Edition
Seller
Sydney, New South Wales
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5,222.61
$19.50 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paris: Javal and Bordeaux, 1930. Limited Edition. JOUVE, Paul. Illustrated by one of the leading painters in France, this superb work brings Kipling's classic Jungle Book story into the realm of fine 20th century French publishing. Limited edition of 125 copies, bound in snakeskin-style folding case, protected by matching slipcase (some wear), 340 mm x 265 mm, 130 unbound pages as issued, 21 plates, printed on imperial Japan paper, an excellent copy.
Item Price
$5,222.61
$19.50 shipping to USA
THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY BIBLE THE HOLY BIBLE
More Photos

THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY BIBLE THE HOLY BIBLE

by John Eadie

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Foligno (PG), Italy
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$330.90
$30.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

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
$330.90
$30.00 shipping to USA
La Vie Litteraire, in Three Volumes
More Photos

La Vie Litteraire, in Three Volumes

by France, Anatole

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
First Edition Thus
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$500.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paris: Calmann-Levy, Editeurs, 1930. 3 volumes, Vols. 1-3, published 1930, '31, and '32. #532 of 1500 copies printed. Beautifully rebound in Art Deco quarter purple morocco over marbled paper covered boards, gilt rules and geometric gilt design at backs, top edges gilt, the binding signed Suz. Sabatier. With the Guy Arnaux -designed bookplates of Armand Massard front end page each volume. Armand Massard was the Olympic champion fencing multi-medalist who held the presidency of the French Olympic Committee for 34 years and was also first vice president of the International Olympic Committee. The set Near Fine, small rubs at tips. . First Edition Thus. Quarter- Morocco. Near Fine/No Jacket, As Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.
Item Price
$500.00
FREE shipping to USA
Binding, Fine - J. Larkins ) Le Premier Texte de La Bruyère  ( One of Only 12 Copies on...
More Photos

Binding, Fine - J. Larkins ) Le Premier Texte de La Bruyère ( One of Only 12 Copies on Papier Du Chine )

by La Bruyere

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
  • Signed
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
Limited and Numbered Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$500.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paris: D. Jouaust, 1868. Limited and Numbered Edition, this one of only 12 copies ( # 12) on papier du Chine, there were 2 copies printed on parchment, 12 on Whatman paper, and 500 on papier du verge. This copy additionally contains bound in the original prospectus of the series, "Le Cabinet du Bibliophile", of which this is # 1. (4), x, Errata, 224 pp. Edited and published by D. Jouaust, containing a true reprint of the original text of 1688. Finely bound by J. Larkins ( signed verso front flyleaf) in contemporary full carmel crushed moroccom covers with gilt rules, back in six compartments with second and third containing title and publisher, the other four with a central gilt flower bordered by ornate gilt, wide ornate gilt dentelles, all edges gilt, marbled end papers. Near Fine, the binding Fine, internally foxed at plain paper end pages, no foxing to China paper. Prior owner names in pencil front end page, old bookseller's description pasted to verso front flyleaf, with the number… Read More
Item Price
$500.00
FREE shipping to USA
Caricature and Other Comic Art in All Times and Many Lands
More Photos

Caricature and Other Comic Art in All Times and Many Lands

by Parton, James

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
  • Signed
  • first
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
First Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$500.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
New York: Harper & Brothers, 1877. SCARCE in fine contemporary binding signed Tout ( of London), half black crushed morocco over marbled boards with gilt rules, matching marbled end pages, the back richly gilt, top edge gilt, silk page marker. With 203 wonderfully funny illustrations. Near Fine, light rubbing to morocco. 340 + 7 pp. publisher's ads. . First Edition. Half Morocco. Near Fine/No Jacket, As Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.
Item Price
$500.00
FREE shipping to USA
The History of Court Fools
More Photos

The History of Court Fools

by Doran, Dr. ( John)

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Very Good
Edition
First Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$300.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
London: Richard Bentley, 1858. Nicely bound in contemporary full polished calf, back ornately gilt with red morocco label lettered in gilt, marbled end papers and edges, Very Good, small tear to calf at head of spine, edges of covers a bit rubbed, a handsome and clean copy. of this SCARCE title. . First Edition. Full Calf. Very Good/No Jacket, As Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.
Item Price
$300.00
FREE shipping to USA
A History of the Protestant Reformation, in England and Ireland . in a series of letters,...
More Photos

A History of the Protestant Reformation, in England and Ireland . in a series of letters, Addressed to all sensible and just Englishmen, in Two Volumes

by Cobbett, William

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
First Royal 8vo Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$600.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
London: The Author, 1829. Originally printed and published separately between 1824 and 1826, this edition published by the author himself in 1829. This book from the library of Richard Lane Freer, Archdeacon of Hereford, with his bookplates front paste downs as well as smaller labels of the Pull Court Library. Finely bound in contemporary full polished blue calf, backs ornately gilt stamped, page block edges dyed pale red. Near Fine, joints showing light wear, corners a bit rubbed, light toning to end papers. This edition SCARCE, especially so in lovely binding. . First Royal 8vo Edition. Full Calf. Near Fine/No Jacket, As Issued. Royal Octavo.
Item Price
$600.00
FREE shipping to USA
A New and Literal Translation of Juvenal and Persius; with Copious Explanatory Notes, By Which...
More Photos

A New and Literal Translation of Juvenal and Persius; with Copious Explanatory Notes, By Which These Difficult Satirists are Rendered Easy and Familiar to the Reader. A New Edition, in Two Volumes ( Bound Two Volumes in One )

by The Rev. M. Madan

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
New Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$350.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Printed by and for Bliss and Baxter : Oxford , 1813. Handsomely bound in full red polished calf, black morocco label lettered in gilt, back decorated in gilt, end papers and edges in matched marbling. 307, 344 pp. Near Fine, boards lightly rubbed, scattered light toning. SCARCE.. New Edition. Polished Calf. Near Fine/No Jacket, As Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.
Item Price
$350.00
FREE shipping to USA
Voltairiana. In Four Volumes ( Four Bound in Two )
More Photos

Voltairiana. In Four Volumes ( Four Bound in Two )

by Voltaire; Selected and Translated from the French by Mary Julia Young

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Very Good Plus
Edition
First Edition
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$600.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
London: Printed by D. N. Shury for J. F. Hughes , 1805. RARE. Twelvemo printing, 6 3/4" x 4 1/2", four volumes bound in two. In contemporary half vellum over marbled boards, the backs with red morocco labels lettered in gilt and richly ornate gilt tooled decorations, marbled end papers, top edges gilt. Very Good Plus, 3/8" chip to top edge of rear cover Vol. I & II, light soiling to vellum. Bindings tight, interiors clean and fresh. . First Edition. Half Vellum. Very Good Plus/No Jacket, As Issued. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall.
Item Price
$600.00
FREE shipping to USA
Theologia naturalis; sive, Liber creaturarum specialiter de homine et de natura ejus in quantum...
More Photos

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
Worcester, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5,101.03
$17.95 shipping to USA

Show Details

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). TEXT: Double… Read More
Item Price
$5,101.03
$17.95 shipping to USA
Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, (Complete). From the Twelfth London Edition....
More Photos

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
Bloomington, Indiana
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$250.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

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
FREE shipping to USA
PETER AND WENDY.
More Photos

PETER AND WENDY.

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

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
London, Greater London
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$774.84
$18.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

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
$774.84
$18.00 shipping to USA
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. And what Alice found there.
More Photos

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. And what Alice found there.

by CARROLL. LEWIS. ; Tenniel. John. Illustrates

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Seller
London, Greater London
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$677.98
$18.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Macmillan and Co. Limited. London. 1894. The Peoples edition. Twenty-third thousand. 8vo. (7.3 x 4.9 inches). Illustrated with fifty line illustrations by John Tenniel. Some foxing to the plain tissue paper guard over the frontispiece and a few minor spots throughout but overall a very clean and bright copy in a fine late 19th century leather binding. Full red calf, the spine with five raised bands, each with double rope design in gilt. Compartments ruled and fully decorated in gilt. Dark green morocco title label, gilt. Leaf and rose roll gilt borders on boards. Decorative gilt design on board edges. Decorative blind stamped inner dentelles. Marbled endpapers. All edges marbled. Red silk page marker bound in. Grantham School arms stamped on the front board in gilt. Previous owners neat name stamp to top of the first leaf after title page. Aside from a small area of loss to the leather on the front board and another on the lower spine hinge this is a very good copy in a fine quality leather binding.… Read More
Item Price
$677.98
$18.00 shipping to USA