Offered is an original 1855 second edition ofThe Origin and Progress of the Art of WritingbyHenry Noel Humphreys, published in London by Day & Son.
This remarkable Victorian volume is housed in what appears to be its original ornatepapier-mâché publisher's binding, featuring deeply moulded decoration with openwork panels and red fabric backing. The binding alone is a striking example of mid-19th century decorative book arts.
The work traces the development of writing from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and cuneiform systems through Phoenician, Hebrew, Greek, medieval manuscript traditions, and later European writing. It contains numerous illustrations, charts, writing specimens, and beautiful chromolithographic plates.
Bibliographic Details
Title:The Origin and Progress of the Art of Writing
Author: Henry Noel Humphreys
Edition: Second Edition
Publisher: Day and Son, Gate Street, Lincoln's Inn, London
Date: 1855
Binding: Original decorative papier-mâché binding
Language: English
Illustrated throughout with plates and text figures
Condition
Please see photos for condition!
Binding remains intact.
Cracking can be seen on both front and back cover.
Spine lettering remains bright and legible.
Interior pages generally clean.
Colour plates retain strong colour.
Decorative papier-mâché boards exhibit age-related cracking and wear, as shown in photographs.
Minor toning and handling wear consistent with a 170-year-old book.
No major water damage observed.
Highlights
Rare Victorian decorative binding
Original 1855 edition
Egyptian, Hebrew, Phoenician, Greek, and medieval writing specimens
Chromolithographic plates
Important work on the history of writing and palaeography
Excellent display piece for collectors of antiquarian books
