SPECIMEN PAGES OF KOREAN MOVABLE TYPES. [With Original Period & Facsimile Sample by MCGOVERN, Melvin P

Los Angeles 1966, Dawson's. White cloth over boards, folio, 31 x 43 cm., NEW copy,10 original & 14 facsimiles of movable type & paper specimens tipped-in,cloth slipcase, dustjacket. * FIRST & ONLY LIMITED NUMBERED EDITION OF ONLY 300 COPIES * ** FIRST AND ONLY LIMITED NUMBERED EDITION OF 300 COPIES ** . *** THE EDITION: There were two variants to the FIRST & ONLY EDITION of three hundred numbered copies in all: . PRIMARY EDITION: An edition numbered from I to XCV, remaining copies numbered 96-300. Because the amount of original specimens were exceptionally limited as the book was produced, many of the copies have a unique count of original vs. facsimile specimens. . In an effort to make each copy complete, facsimiles were inserted to fill in where originals were deplete. . Please carefully read each description to understand how each copy varied and for the actual count of originals vs. facsimiles specimens. . IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all copies will have a complete set of originals due to the rarity and ancient age of the these original paper specimen examples. . *** DATES OF THE SPECIMENS: . The specimens are dated from 1420 to 1858. This is a monumental and exhaustive work consisting of a total of 22 specimens of movable type & paper with tipped in examples. Each example exhibits a different movable type font, with a paragraph of description and identification in English with the font name in Hangul or Korean characters. . *** THE ACTUAL ORIGINAL SPECIMENS: . As found in the LIMITED EDITION of 300: 11 original specimens are: 7a: 1594-1605 Hullyon-Togam-Ja, Kyong-o-Ja style; 8: 1668 Samju-Kabin-Ja; 9: 1677 Hyongjong-Sillok-Ja; 10: 1682 Hang'gu-Ja; 11: 1721-24 Tang-Ja; 13:1777 Oju-Kabin-Ja; 15: 1792 Saeng-saeng-Ja; 16: Chongni-Ja; 18: 1792-1815 Ch'wijin-Ja; 20a: 1858: Chaeju-Chongni-Ja [wooden type]; 20b:1858: Chaeju-Chongni-Ja [bronze type]. . NOTE: Each edition can vary as to the count of original specimens, please see below for the count of each copy, under SPECIFIC DETAILS OF EACH COPY. . *** The chronological table names and describes all known Korean type fonts from 1403 to 1858. With a hand list of books and articles [a bibliography] of Korean types and printing. . *** THE AUTHOR: MELVIN P. MCGOVERN: . The author spent twenty years in both Japan and Korea researching this work and has produced the first original and major study on this subject. . A pioneer effort and scholarly work, still considered the authority and the most important classic on the subject. This Korean movable type reference sources is the most reliable and celebrated single English language reference source on the subject with ample original specimens. . Korean paper sources go back as far as 1232. Asian papers and printing blocks or movable fonts proceeded the Gutenberg Bible [1455] by about thirty years. . *** THE BINDING: The work was expertly bound in a brilliant white cloth spine over boards covered in persimmon-colored blind-stamped Buddhist swastika designed paper. There was also a buff colored protective dust jacket, the whole was inserted into an indigo-blue cloth covered slipcase for a beautiful presentation. . *** THE FONTS: This title was five years in preparation, all printed in specially cut type set by hand with "Hanzi" [Chinese characters], alongside Romanized proper names. The work was planned and produced in Tokyo at the Voyager's Press, the text was set in an experimental, modified version of the type cut for William Bulmer by William Martin in London, about 1780. . *** CONDITION: The book is as issued from the publisher "LIKE NEW," unused, there is a trifle bit of rubbing to a corner, dust jacket with a bit of minor rubbing. The book itself can only be described as excellent, in the best of collector's condition. The slip case may have a tiny tear to a corner or a small bump, otherwise this work is exceptionally bright and clean. . *** THE PAPER SPECIMENS: The various handmade papers used for this entire work were supplied by Sanborn, in Tokyo and were made under their direction to specifications provided by the Voyagers' Press. . Hand composition by Mr. Moriya Yoshiaki. Each copy is individually hand-numbered in pen. This is a Deluxe Edition, finely bound, printed and executed to the highest Japanese standards. A monumental and invaluable primary resource. ALWAYS RARE ! . *** COPIOUS BIBLIOGRAPHY: . The work contains a 3 page bibliography of books & articles on Korean types & printing. *** . THE DIMINISHING NUMBER OF ORIGINAL EXAMPLES: The "Primary Edition" contained a full suite of 22 original specimen leaves from a beginning date of 1422, LIMITED EDITION OF 300 ONLY NUMBERED COPIES. Successive continued editions had fewer and fewer original specimen leaves. . For example copy #126 had 15 originals specimens, the earliest dated 1484, copy #176 had only three. . *** SPECIFIC DETAILS OF EACH COPY: . Contains: 22-24 samples in each volume: . Copy 2: Number 155 of 300 Copies: Contains 11 original & 11 facsimile paper samples: Original samples: 7A,8,9,10,11,13,15,16,18,20A,20B = 11. Facsimile samples: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7B,12,14,17 & 19 = 11 . Copy 3: Number 176 of 300 Copies: Contains 10 original & 14 facsimile paper samples Original samples:5,6,7A,9,15,16,17,18,20A,20B total = 10 Facsimile samples:1,2,3,4,5,6,7B,8,9,14,15,17,19,20B = 14 . Contains 10 originals, 14 facsimile paper samples.. This copy contains extra copies: 2 each of #5 samples: one original & one facsimile. 2 each of #6 ditto 2 each of #9 ditto 2 each of #15 ditto 2 each of #17 ditto 2 each of #20B: ditto . *** Color photos are posted to our website. . *** REFEREMCES: . Royal Library, Stockholm: A MILLENNIUM OF PRINTING IN CHINA, KOREA AND JAPAN. * Ernest Satow: FURTHER NOTES ON MOVABLE TYPES IN KOREA AND EARLY JAPANESE PRINTED BOOKS. * Tenri Library: TENRI CENTRAL LIBRARY PHOTO SERIES no. 35: EARLY TYPOGRAPHIC EDFITIONS OF JAPAN. * [S. Edgren]: KOREANSKT BOKTRYCK 1420-1900 KOREAN PRINTING. This exhibition catalogue cites many fine examples. . *** . . INTERESTED IN EARLY PRINTING ? . Ever hear of: EMPRESS SHOTOKU and her one million magician charms, printed 764-770 A.D. ? . If you have an interest in the world's first verifiable and earliest printed & verified item, the HYAKUMAN-TO DHARANI, 664-770 A.D. please contact us. . * .