The Ancient Mariner
by S.T. Coleridge
A Whiter Shade of Pale: White Vellum & Cream Boards
Brilliant book design does not always involve vibrant color. White or cream bindings can catch the eye too. Many binders used white vellum, usually in combination with gilt lettering or gilt artwork, in the early decades of the 20th century. It’s possible to find stunning white or cream books with illustrations by Arthur Rackham, Hugh Thomson, Edmund Dulac or Hungarian illustrator Willy Pogany.
Dulac’s Sinbad the Sailor and Pogany’s interpretation of Coleridge’s The Ancient Mariner are two wonderful examples of classic white vellum – both editions are treasured by collectors.
Vellum, according to John Carter’s invaluable ABC for Book Collectors, can be made from calf, goat, lamb or even rabbit skin. Although vellum is remarkably durable, pale bindings can show their age. This selection, which includes a few faux vellums and cream boards designed to look like vellum, is the cream of the crop.
A Selection of Books in White Vellum
More to Discover
