The Origin and Progress of the Art of Writing

London: Ingram, Cooke and Co., 1853 A connected narative of the development of the art, its primeval phases in Egypt, China, Mexico etc; its middle state in the Cuneatic systems of Nineveh and Persepolis, to its introduction to Europe through the medium of the Hebrew, Phoenician, and Greek systems, and its subsequent progress to the present day. viii, 176pp gilt all edges. 28 plates all present and correct. All colour plates are signed H.N.Humphreys. Lith.Day & Son. Lith.rs to the Queen. All black and white plates are signed 'Printed by Paul Jerrard, 111 Fleet St'. Marbled end papers and pastedowns. Black papie mache with red backing paper. The design is the same on both covers comprising a leaf and flower border, with three fillets inside. The centre is occupied by a large foliage stem which surrounds the title. The lower pastedown bears the binders label of Leighton Son & Hodge, Shoe Lane London (Ball 53A) The binding has been meticulously rebacked with the original gold blocked design relaid. There is no loss or damage to the papier mache. Internally there is light random foxing throughout. This is a rare survivor of a spectacular binding fully deserving of the new Solander box in which it is now housed.