Stockholm Royal Library : Stockholm. 13.5″ by 10.5″. An uncommon ode to book printing, published on the 500th anniversary of the Gutenberg Bible, an impressive collection of samples of book and type designs. First Edition, Limited Edition, Publishers’ Original Binding, Uncommon, With Slipcase. Overall Condition: Very Good Indeed. This book weighs 2 KG when packed. The first and limited edition of one thousand copies, of which five hundred were for sale. In the original quarter cloth and patterned paper portfolio. An impressive “book of books” issued to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the printing of the Gutenberg 42-line Bible. Each of the specimens containing the first pages of the Old Testament, and are all in their respective languages of the designer. Complete with forty-three specimens. This copy also includes postcard sized headshots of thirty-three of the designers who contributed to this work. This work includes examples of the works of leading book and type designers of the twentieth century, including the work of a total of thirty-seven designers. The designers hail from fifteen countries, designers including Hans Schmoller, Jan Tschichold, Joseph Blumenthal, Carl Dair, Alan Dodson, Berthold L. The samples in this work vary greatly, some are duodecimo, whereas some are folio; some are single sheets, whereas some are multiple pages. In the original publisher’s quarter cloth and patterned paper portfolio, with the contents loosely inserted, as issued. Portfolio is generally smart, with some wear to the extremities, resulting in small tears and a small amount of loss of paper. Small tidemarks to the portfolio. Pages are bright and clean. Portfolio is in a very good condition, contents are in a fine condition. Fine – Very well preserved copy showing very little wear. Only one or two minor faults, really a very attractive copy. Quite a wide term meaning no major faults but probably several smaller ones. Often expected given the age of the book, but still a respectable copy. Meaning not very good. Some more serious faults as will. Be described in the condition report under’condition. Good Only – Meaning one or more faults that could really do with repair. As with good only above but with other faults. Leaving a compromised copy even after repair. Really bad and possibly seriously incomplete. We only sell books in this condition where their rarity or value makes them. Attractive none the less. Major defects will be described. Please ask for details and conditions. Please note we cannot accept USD cheques.
