The Zaehnsdorfs, 1842-1947: Craft Bookbinders

This Book is in overall Very Good Condition. The Glassine Dust Jacket, which is rarely retained with this book, has Long Creases to the Front Cover and Small Tears, Creases, and Chipping to the Edges but No Stains or Other Damage. The Hardcover Boards retain Sharp Corners and Bright Gilt Lettering and have No Tears, Creases, Stains, or Any Major Damage. The Binding is Strong, Intact, and Undamaged. The Interior is Clean and Unmarked with No Writing, Highlighting, or Underlining and has No Tears, Creases, Stains, Mold, or Any Major Damage. The Page Edges have No Remainder Mark, Foxing, Stains, or Any Major Damage.

Book Description:

The Zaehnsdorfs (1842-1947): Craft Bookbinders was published in an edition of 2250 copies of which 1000 were for sale by Private Libraries Association and contains many black & white illustrations, some of which are of Zaehnsdorf bindings.

From the preface: "There are few firms of craft bookbinders that can claim an existence of longer thatn one hundred years. One which can is Zaehnsdorf Limited, founded in 1842 by Joseph Zaehnsdorf. It remained under the direct control of three successive generations of the Zaehnsdorf family for a period exceeding its century...On the basis of the available records, and articles in contemporary trade periodicals, a few perspectives are here presented on the story of one of the better known English bookbinders. It was founded on the skill and perseverance of an immigrant binder, and for over one hundred years adhered to his tenets of fine workmanship, successively under his guidance and then under that of his son and grandson. Bindings produced by the firm of Zaehnsdorf are still admired for the excellence of the craftsmanship which they display and whilst, in the main, their designs rely on the inspiration of the past, innovative essays into more contemporary styles were made on a few occasions. The repair and restoration of books and documents was an important part of the firm's activities and its principals demonstrated a keen interest in the underlying science."