The Fleuron: A Journal of Typography, Numbers 1 to 7 [complete in 7 vols.]

Oliver Simon, Stanley Morison (eds.)

Published by The Fleuron; At the University Press 1923-1930, London; Cambridge, 1923

About this Item

4to, illustrated, quarter cloth with paper sides (nos. 1 and 2) and full cloth (nos. 3 to 7); original dustjacket for no. 3 only, all other dustjackets are later-made with title and volume number printed on the spine panel (presumably by a previous owner). With numerous color and black-and-white illustrations, tip-ins, and specimens, some fold-out. Printer and typographer Bernard Newdigate (1869-1944) positively gushes over the first volume in his "Book Production Notes" for The London Mercury: "The first number of The Fleuron is a brilliant piece of book-production. The book itself is a sumptuous production of the Curwen Press and shows, both in its general appearance and in nearly every detail, the care and skill and good taste which have conspired to the splendid achievement" (quoted by Ruari McLean in "The Most Underrated of Typographers," Matrix 6, pp. 172-3). "The Fleuron was an occasional journal of the arts of the book, in hardback form; it was a sumptuous publication which included the writings of many contemporary scholars as well as original work by artists, and specially composed type specimens of many types as they appeared. It had sprung from conversations between [Stanley] Morison and Oliver Simon, designer at the Curwen Press" (Sebastian Carter, in "Stanley Morison and Jan van Krimpen," Matrix 8, p. 117). Volume 5 with the booklabel of Charles Antin, proprietor of the Serendipity Press, on rear pastedown; prior owner signature on vol. 6 pastedown. Contents generally very good to near fine. Most condition issues are with the covers: some wear to head and/or foot of spine of all volumes except vol. 3 (most heavily in vol. 5); vols. 1 and 5 rear hinge has short or partial split; vol. 2 has horizontal inch-length heavy crease along top of both boards and one-inch split at the hinge; light cover edge wear to vols. 1, 2 and 4; some light soiling to covers, except vol. 5, which is heavily soiled; spines to vols. 2 and 4 a bit faded. Pastedowns and first and last few leaves foxed. Dustjackets show some chipping; vol. 1 spine jacket panel partially repaired.

Seller Inventory # 3276

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Fleuron: A Journal of Typography, Numbers 1 to 7 [complete in 7 vols.]
• Publisher: The Fleuron; At the University Press 1923-1930, London; Cambridge
• Publication Date: 1923
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • Printing and Typography