The Print Collector an Introduction to the Knowledge Necessary for Forming a Collection of Ancient Prints...with an Appendix Containing Fielding's Treatise on the Practice of Engraving Edited ...by Robert Hoe, Jr.
New York, NY: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1880. Large Paper Edition. Leather. Very Good. Item #030256
viii, 350 pages; with useful index & bibliography. Twelve plates of etchings and engravings and with illustrated chapter-headings and smaller page illustrations throughout. Examples of the fine printing work of Rembrandt, Durer, Cruikshank, Bewick and others. Limitation page noting this as No. 32 of 50 printed on Whatman's hand-made paper and with the circular previous owner blind-stamp of the Dudrea & Sumner Parker Collection, The Cloisters and with their illustrated 'The Cloisters' bookplate at the front endpaper. Front blank endpaper with the binders' stamp of Neumann Bros.; the book was printed at the Press of Francis Hart & Co. Approx. 9 1/2" x 11 1/2" size; bound in full dark brown morocco leather; spine with 5 raised bands, gilt spine titles, top edge gilt; gilt double-lined edges; double-line gilt turn-ins; marbled endpapers. A little edge, tips wear to the binding; occasional finger-soiling and edge-of-plate spotting; in very good condition. Laid-in is an autograph letter signed by Edward P. Mitchell, on his folded letterhead notepaper, dated May 19 '17 Glen Ridge NJ; with the small printed calling-card of Mitchell, adding affectionate regards to Parker and also the original mailing envelope addressed to Parker's address at 913 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD. The letter discusses the Maberly book and Mitchell's wish for Parker to have it as "…remembrance of the two days at Baltimore that were to us so exceptionally pleasant…". Mailer with a little wear; in very good condition. Edward Page Mitchell (1852 - 1927) was the long-time editor and a writer for the NY Sun newspaper, as well as a Bowdoin graduate. "… At the time that Mitchell joined the NY Sun, the paper had already established a reputation as an innovative publication and was famous for its feature articles and its fiction. Working under the tutelage of Charles A. Dana, Mitchell developed his talents as both writer and editor… During the 1870s and 1880s, the Sun printed several of Mitchell's short stories that displayed a bent toward what is now called science fiction; time travel, invisible people created by experimentation, and tree-sized plants with intelligence were but a few of the subjects he introduced to avid readers… He continued the policy of promoting vivid writing and unusual feature stories that made the paper one of the most popular dailies in the United States. He frequently was responsible for the editorial page, and his contributions to political debate helped shape U.S. opinion on topics such as the construction of the Panama Canal and the U.S. decision not to join the League of Nations. Though not overtly political himself, Mitchell had monitored the pulse of the nation for decades…" (Laurence W. Mazzeno in the ANB) The recipient, Sumner A. Parker (1881-1946) and his wife G. Dudrea Parker (1883-1972) were natives of Baltimore, both graduates of the Johns Hopkins University. They were dedicated collectors of tapestry, rugs, porcelain, paintings, and antique furniture and specifically designed The Cloisters so that portions could be open to the public as a museum. Eventually, Mrs. Parker willed The Cloisters and its contents to the City of Baltimore; Sumner A. Parker was president of the Armstrong and Parker Company, which produced ornamental ironwork such as balconies, gates, and fences, examples of which may still be seen in the city and at The Cloisters. (see the Cloisters Castle website).
Price: $475.00










