Word: incunabula
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1920-1929
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Technically known as an "incunabula", the accounting book is an excellent example of the Renaissance printer's skill. After 420 years of use and exposure to various climates, the pages are still unharmed and the ink, made of a vegetable dye preparation, is as black and fresh as when it was first produced. The paper in the book was handmade from old cloth, and the printing was accomplished with a hand press...
...this continent, but over its residential district, over drowsing brown stone-fronted streets lingers the breath of a vanished century. Thevchurches on many corners, the winking brass bell knobs on front doors, the window-boxes and plush curtains, all speak of a civic pride that clings anxiously to dwindling incunabula. It is not a matter of tradition, for most of the old families have moved to Manhattan. "Foreigners" and their blowsy women cook goulash and whip children in the houses where 40 years ago candles shone in crystal girandoles, and violins complained all night. A newspaper writer recently referred...
...bronze bust of the Marquis of Pescara, wearing the Golden Fleece, ascribed to Benvenuto Cellini. In the rooms, which will form the happy hunt-ing-ground of bibliophiles living and bibliophiles yet to be born, are some of the choicest books in existence, ranging from the rare incunabula (books printed before 1500) to autograph copies of books by famous authors and statesmen. Mr. Morgan's collection of Coptic manuscripts is said to be the finest in existence. To do justice to the wonders of this book paradise would take more than a volume; to attempt to catalog them is impossible...
...tastes of students have altered appreciably within that time. In fact I know myself of one undergraduate who is now laying the foundation for a collection which gives rich promise for the future. His books range from first editions of Thomas Hardy through early Aldines and Elzevirs to Incunabula printed within fifteen years after the invention of the art. Many of the undergraduates whom I know, not content with what our American firms can offer, avail themselves of the richer field of English and continental book catalogues...