Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - September - 2007 Issue
Artistic Books from The Veatchs Arts of the Book
This 1892 Manning, Bowman trade catalogue is a work of art itself.
Item 14 is The Holy Bible, designed (though not written) by Bruce Rogers. This spectacular rendition of the Bible is commonly known as the Oxford Lectern Bible. It is likely the notable American typographer's greatest work. It was published by the Oxford University Press in 1935. Offered is one of 200 copies printed on handmade paper. $27,500.
Item 20 is a run of the first sixteen issues of The New Bookbinder. Journal of Designer Bookbinders. This was an annual, published in London, covering various aspects of bookbinding. Offered are the issues from 1981-1996. $600.
For those interested in writing manuals, item 10 is David P. Becker's The Practice of Letters. The Hofer Collection of Writing Manuals 1514-1800. This is a 1997 exhibition catalogue which includes a bibliography of 233 writing manuals. $35.
Item 106 is a trade catalogue cum work of art: Manning, Bowman & Co. Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of Perfection Granite Ironware and Decorated Pearl Agateware, published in 1892. It includes coffee pots, teapots, urns, trays, bowls, spittoons and many more items, intended primarily for restaurants and men's clubs. These products were meant to be beautiful works, which required comparably attractive illustrations to display their beauty. $6,000.
The Veatchs Arts of the Book may be visited online at www.veatchs.com, or reached by telephone at 413-584-1867.
