Edited by Giles Barber

Published by: Rothschild Foundation, 2013

302 x 222mm, 1162p, index 60p. Containing 96 colour plates; 880 monochrome illustrations.  In excess of 1000 images of bookbinders tools in actual size.  Bound in buckram.

Information is given of the creation of the collection by Baron Ferdinand, including his historical interests and subject areas. ‘Seven substantial chapters describe and discuss the late seventeenth and eighteenth century Parisian bookbinding trade and the technique of decorative gilding.  They include particular studies on the work and production of leading binders – Padeloup, Douceur, the Deromes and others – whose rare mosaic and dentelle bindings so attracted Baron Ferdinand’.  Of oustanding importance is the ‘classified index of French bookbinders tools …providing  an authorative reference file on the best French bookbinding of this period’

New copy.