The James de Rothschild Bequest at Waddeson Manor: Printed Books and Bookbinding. [Vol. I - II, complete set]

Barber, Giles

ISBN 10: 0954731085 / ISBN 13: 9780954731083

Editore: The Rothschild Foundation, Waddeson Manor, 2013

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2 volumes, 4to (31 cm), 520, [64] pp.; [6] pp., 521-1161 pp. Publisher's cloth and dust jackets (minor shelf-wear, a few notes by the previous owner). The definitive catalogue of the outstanding collection of late seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French books and their bindings assembled by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild during the last twenty years of the nineteenth century, one of the finest collections of its kind outside Paris and here fully described and reproduced for the first time. The project was originally begun by the bibliographer Graham Pollard (1903-1976), who undertook extensive cataloguing and initial tool-identification work before his sudden death in 1976; it was subsequently completed and largely rewritten by Giles Barber, formerly Librarian of the Taylor Institution, Oxford, and a leading authority on the eighteenth-century French book trade and bookbinding. Volume I contains fifteen substantial chapters covering Baron Ferdinand as collector; the Parisian bookbinding trade of the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; the development of French decorative styles, including mosaic and dentelle bindings and the work of the Deromes and other leading binders; gilding techniques; the Cabinet du Roi bindings; the practice of binders signing their work; and non-French bindings at Waddesdon. This is followed by eighteen Tools Lists, providing a classified, actual-size repertory of approximately one thousand tools used by Parisian binders, reproduced from digitized images of the bindings themselves, together with lists of former owners and booksellers' marks and traces. Volume II comprises the catalogue proper, with detailed descriptions of all 790 books and manuscripts in the collection, including title-page transcriptions, collations, plate lists, provenance, and extensive descriptions of the bindings. A landmark reference work for the study of French fine binding under the ancien régime, combining bibliographical description, provenance research, binding history, and systematic tool identification on an exceptional scale. An essential reference for collectors, dealers, and scholars of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French books and bindings, and an important companion to the other Waddesdon Manor catalogues issued under the Rothschild bequest to the National Trust.

Codice articolo 004793

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: The James de Rothschild Bequest at Waddeson Manor: Printed Books and Bookbinding. [Vol. I - II, complete set]
• Editore: The Rothschild Foundation, Waddeson Manor
• Data di pubblicazione: 2013
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0954731085
• ISBN 13: 9780954731083
• Rilegatura: Hardcover
• Condizione: Very Good
• Cataloghi dei venditori:
  • BIBLIOGRAPHY
  • Library catalogues
  • Bookbinding

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Riassunto

2 Volume SetThe outstanding collection of late 17th- and 18th-century books, together with their sumptuous bindings, built up by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the last 20 years of the 19th century, match his other extraordinary collections (covered by earlier catalogues in the series), and is among the best of its kind outside Paris. This catalogue reveals for the first time the riches of his book collection.The 790 books reflect Baron Ferdinand s interests as a refined connoisseur and amateur historian. Not interested in first editions or rare texts, he collected instead books with a distinguished provenance, those with magnificent bindings and ones illustrated by celebrated artists. Many of these also related to his interest in the history of this period, documenting social culture, costume, travel, architecture and, in particular, royal entertainment and ceremonies. Among coats-of-arms are those of Louis XIV, Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour and Marie-Antoinette. The magnificent bindings are by renowned artisans working at the pinnacle of their craft: Padeloup, the Derome family and Le Monnier, who are known for lavish dentelle and mosaic styles.The two volumes provide introductory surveys of the collecting of ancient régime books, of Baron Ferdinand s life, historical interests and manner of book collecting (using important and unpublished trade documentation), an overview of the collection by subjects, a more detailed description of the illustrated books, and another of the wide range of royal, bibliophile and other important provenance. Seven substantial chapters describe and discuss the late 17th- and 18th-century Parisian bookbinding trade and techniques of decorative gilding. They include particular studies on the work and production of leading bookbinders. The evolution of the various styles of the period are discussed, including the bindings of the Cabinet du Roi, and lists are provided of all the examples in the collection, before a final section of bookbinders signing of their work, and lists of English and other book bindings at Waddesdon.Of special important is the classified index of French bookbinders tools, some 1000 of those on the Waddesdon books being reproduced digitally, thus providing an authoritative reference files on the best French bookbinding of this period. All 790 books are described in full detail, with title page transcriptions, collations, lists of plates, details of provenance, descriptions of bindings, and notes on the importance of the works involved. A provenance index lists all identified past owners, with brief biographical notes on them. There is also a select bibliography.