two leaf books john johnsons (1 Ergebnisse)

First work: 185 x 130 mm. (7 1/4 x 5 1/4"); second work: 265 x 175 mm. (10 3/8 x 6 3/8"). 1 p.l., 19 pp., [1] leaf; 3 p.l., 6 pp., [1] leaf. Two separately published works. Poetica Typographia Johnsoniana in publisher's brown paper wrappers, front cover printed in black. "A Leaf from John Johnson's Typographia" in publisher's light gray cloth, front cover with a paper label. Poetica Typographia Johnsoniana with wood engravings after those in Johnson. EACH VOLUME WITH A LEAF FROM JOHNSON'S 1824 "TYPOGRAPHIA" TIPPED IN. Disbound and Dispersed 122 & 174. See also: Bigmore & Wyman, pp. 371-73. Both volumes in fine condition; the tipped-in leaves near fine (one just a bit foxed, the other with a faint dampstain). This duo of leaf books celebrates John Johnson's classic work on the history and art of printing, notable for its small type and unusual formatting. According to Bigmore & Wyman, "Of the few standard works on the art of printing in the English language, this is perhaps the most familiar . . . . It abounds with information of a very useful character, spiced with conceits manifesting the originality, humour, and freshness of the author. . . . The type, never larger than brevier, sometimes is as small as pearl, and the intricacy of the composition evinces the wonderful patience of Johnson." Bigmore & Wyman conclude that "Whatever its defects and shortcomings, it has long since become, and deservedly, a printer's classic, and one in which the youngest apprentice as well as the most experienced journeyman finds matter of an amusing as well as useful nature." First published in 1824, the "Typographia" was issued simultaneously in four formats: 32mo, 16mo, 8vo, and royal 8vo, also known as the "Roxburghe Edition," having been distributed to members of the exclusive bibliophilic group known as the Roxburghe Club. The first leaf book offered here, printed in 1959, contains a specimen leaf from the 32mo edition (without the typographic borders), as well as excerpts from the original work coupled with a series of woodcut vignettes; the second item, published in 1982 on the occasion of the Zamorano Club meeting in October of that year, contains a specimen leaf from the 16mo edition (with the typographic borders), as well as an essay by Carey S. Bliss, former head librarian of the Huntington Library. Both leaf books are in lovely condition and make an excellent pairing. ONE OF 75 COPIES (of the first work); ONE OF 200 COPIES (of the second work).