Bindings in Cambridge Libraries. With Notes by G.D. Hobson. Based on Researches by N.F. Barwell, H.M. Davies, and the late Charles E. Sayle.

72 plates (many in fine color). Folio, orig. blue cloth, upper cover & spine gilt, t.e.g., others uncut. Cambridge: at the University Press, 1929.

Limited to 230 copies. This volume contains 72 reproductions of binding now, with one exception, in the possession of the University Library, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the College libraries. Each plate is accompanied by descriptive text giving particulars of the date, provenance, binders, stamps, etc. The bindings range from a Romanesque example dating c. 1190 to the middle of the 18th century and include many notable continental pieces.

“Hobson’s method was to make lists of bindings which had the same tools in common; if the binder of one or several was known, he could attribute the others to him; if the workshop was not known, he baptized it with a sobriquet, such as ‘Queen’s Binder’; all this required an immense amount of historical and archival research, the examination of the holdings of permanent libraries and private collections, and of the illustrations in books on bindings and auction and booksellers’ catalogues.”–Breslauer, The Uses of Bookbinding Literature, p. 28.

Very good copy from the library of Robert S. Pirie.

Price: $1,950.00

Item ID: 5711

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