The Art Of Medal Engraving [Bird & Bull Press] Harris, Elizabeth M. Private Press

Hardcover. Number 97 of 230 copies. This handsome book from Bird & Bull Press is about "a curious chapter in the development of 19th century printing processes. ' Much time and effort was devoted to the development of new methods of producing printed images. Two of the more important developments were the invention of lithography and of photography. The prospectus goes on to say that medal engraving was one of the lesser known 19th century graphic processes, but one that Henry Morris thought among the most interesting. The author, Elizabeth Harris, was a printing historian and Curator of Graphic Arts at the Smithsonian Institution. She provides a excellent background and history of the techniques used for creating medal images. There are illustrations of metal engravings and photos of the machinery used. Hand bound in a dark blue Japanese cloth with a subtle flower design, and a leather spine label. Printed on Johannot mouldmade paper using Perpetua types. Accompanied by the prospectus. In fine condition save for a two page spread of various medals, which has browning and spotting. Measures 8 x 10 inches. 56 pages. PRI/032624.