A Manual of the Art of Bookbinding: Containing Full Instructions in the Different Branches of Forwarding, Gilding, and Finishing. Also, the Art of Marbling Book-Edges and Paper. The Whole Designed for the Practical Workman, the Amateur, and the Book-Collector

Octavo. 318, [2], 32 (ads) pp., frontis, plates, specimens, illus. Third edition. As issued, in embossed cloth. An exceptionally bright binding, alas, this is an ex-library copy with bookplates removed from the front pastedown, front free endpaper removed; several instances of an early Vermont library pressure stamp to the preliminaries and the publisher's catalog at the rear; otherwise, clean and bright throughout. Originally issued in 1856, this is often cited as the first American bookbinding manual, despite it having been largely compiled from English sources. Nevertheless, it is the first such manual. The first edition frequently reprinted in the subsequent decades. Illustrated throughout, it includes a frontispiece and 9 other tipped in plates of decorative motifs (this copy is lacking 2 of the plates). Additionally, there are 7 specimens of marbled papers included, all present. A remarkable book in the history of bookbinding.