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A Lovely Little Illuminated Italian Book of Hours in Latin
A page through with close-up details of this lovely Italian Book of Hours in Latin with historiated initials and charming borders.
Les Cahiers de Colette
A description of Les Cahiers de Colette in a Paul Bonet binding, printed by Les Amies de Colette in 1935-36.
Kelmscott Chaucer Leaf Book - Full Version (22 min.)
A discussion of our own publication, Letters from the 15th Century: On the Origins of the Kelmscott Chaucer Typeface. Phil introduces the book and describes how the project came to be and how the five leaves it includes were acquired over time from defective volumes. He discusses the content of the text, examines the leaves, and discusses the physical features of the production then describes the various options of the edition available for purchase.
Kelmscott Chaucer Leaf Book, Abridged Version (6 min.)
A discussion of our own publication, Letters from the 15th Century: On the Origins of the Kelmscott Chaucer Typeface. In abbreviated form, Phil introduces the book and describes how the project came to be. He shows us the book and the five leaves it includes and describes the various versions of the edition available for purchase.
An Introduction to Antique Books
Phil Pirages, proprietor of Phillip J. Pirages Fine Book and Manuscripts, examines book collecting, how and why people collect, why they should collect books, and the role of the bookseller in collaborating with collectors, using examples from the current Pirages inventory to illustrate the special pleasures derived from an appreciation of a book's binding, printing, illustration, and provenance.
Vellum Through the Ages
A look at the use of vellum in making books, from Medieval manuscripts to modern private press books.
Early Bindings
A discussion of 16th century bookbinding done for famous collectors, with a digression on forgeries.
Modern English Binding Decoration: Thomas J. Cobden-Sanderson
Phil talks about the career of the greatest figure in modern English bookbinding, and shows examples of the work he did with his own hands as well as the bindings he designed for his Doves Bindery.
Modern English Binding Decoration: Guild of Women Binders
The story of the Guild of Women Binders, a group of turn-of-the-century female artisans in England known for their innovative designs.
Modern English Binding Decoration: Cosway Bindings
Phil discusses Cosway bindings, which feature miniatures painted on ivory as part of the binding design.
Modern English Binding Decoration: Jewelled Bindings
A look at two of the lavish jewelled bindings produced by Sangorski & Sutcliffe--creators of the "Great Omar" that went down with the Titanic--in the early 20th century.
Modern English Binding Decoration: Chivers and Bagguley
A discussion of two creative modern English binders, Cedric Chivers and George Bagguley.
Meunier & Marius Magnin
A discussion of two French binders of the Belle Epoque, both known for their skill and innovation.
Fore-Edge Paintings
Books with a hidden surprise beneath their gilt edges: a painting done on the fanned-out fore edge of the text block.
French Books
The distinctive style of French books--elegant, refined, and beautifully illustrated.
Books with Colored Plates
Phil looks at various types of illustrated books with color plates, including two special American publications, Audubon's "Birds of America" and McKenney & Hall's "Indian Tribes of North America."
