9780954731083 - The James De Rothschild Bequest at Waddeson Manor: Printed Books and Bookbinding di Barber, Giles (1 risultati)

Hardcover. Condizione: Very Good. 2 volumes, 4to (31 cm), 520, [64] pp; [6] pp, pp. 521-1161. Publisher's cloth and dust jacket (minor shelf wear, a few notes by the previous owner). This catalogue presents the remarkable collection of late 17th- and 18th-century books assembled by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the last two decades of the 19th century, ranking among the finest of its kind outside Paris. Rather than seeking first editions or rare texts, Baron Ferdinand collected books of distinguished provenance, magnificent bindings, and celebrated illustrations, with many volumes relating to social customs, travel, architecture, and royal ceremonies. The collection includes heraldic arms of figures such as Louis XIV, Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour, and Marie-Antoinette, while the bindings showcase the craftsmanship of renowned artisans like Padeloup, the Derome family, and Le Monnier, known for their dentelle and mosaic designs. The two volumes provide an introduction to the collecting of Ancien Régime books, insights into Baron Ferdinand's historical interests and collecting methods (drawing on unpublished trade documentation), an overview of the collection by subject, detailed descriptions of the illustrated books, and a survey of royal, bibliophile, and other important provenances. Seven chapters analyze the Parisian bookbinding trade of the late 17th and 18th centuries, discussing decorative gilding techniques, the work of leading bookbinders, the evolution of styles and providing lists of bindings, bookbinders' signatures, and an overview of English and other bindings at Waddesdon. A particularly valuable feature is the classified index of French bookbinders' tools, reproducing approximately 1,000 tools from the Waddesdon books digitally, making it an authoritative resource on the finest French bookbinding of the era. All 790 books are catalogued in full detail, including title-page transcriptions, collations, lists of plates, provenance records, binding descriptions, and notes on their significance, with a provenance index identifying past owners alongside biographical notes and a select bibliography. (From the blurb) [Please note that this is a heavy item and may require extra postage.].