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I    i ~,,M l,,,l 11it]!1!l:~iFii i,[ If ii!i[[Li:l,:i                    iii                iii               iiiti;iliilllil'"'''!'i  ~      iiiir~iliii i'!       r~iiiiii                           I 
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—.~'~;~'....,... -.,
T1WE   NF,~ ~C.~R'"[CBOO~i-BIDER




THE
ART OF BOOK-BINDING,
ITS RISE AND PROGRESS;
INCLUDING
A DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF THE
NEW YORK BOOK-BINDERY.,       |l?,'~,'llll m'/-I/m. l"~!|  il   l 5 Et1,llal
1         I 
NEW YORK:
E. WALKER & SONS, 114 FULTON STREET.
1850.








Araban Nit; then on my loveft sideBooks,
at my Clhaucer; find think how natunot aonly for Charles Lamb to ge imginive a
kipleasures they affn old mefolio, but I once saw him
do theiro Capman' Iomer. love to be ing,
contactwhile I live and think, can sidewayprive
t me ofener, my value of such treasures, and my
Arab I can Nighelp the appreiation oft side
them  wh      ile I last, and love
ral it was for Charles Lamb to give a
kiss to fin old folio, its I once saw him
do to Chapmman's  Minner.   Nothing,
while I live and think, can deprive
me of my value of such treasures.
I can help the appreciation of
them while? I last, and love
them till I die."
L~eig. I, Hunt.








THIS little manual, descriptive of the origin and progress of
book-binding, has been prepared by the publisher, expressly for the
use of his numerous patrons, in the belief that it will be found to
comprise much curious and interesting matter relative to the
bibliopegistic art, which will prove acceptable to all true lovers of
books. "Books," says Milton, "are among the sweetest luxuries
of our world;" and Channing affirms that "in the best books,
great men talk to us, with us, and give us their most precious
thoughts.  Books are the voices of the distant and the dead.
Books are the true levellers. They give to all who will faithfully
use them the society and the presence of the best and greatest of
our race. No matter how poor I am; no matter though the
prosperous of my own time will not enter my obscure dwelling.
If learned men and poets will enter and take up their abode under
my roof-if Milton will cross my threshold to sing to me of Paradise; and Shakspeare open to me the worlds of imagination, and
the workings of the human heart; and Franklin enrich me with his
practical wisdom-I shall not pine for want of intellectual comlpanionship, and I may become a cultivated man, though excluded
from what is called the best society in the place where I live."
Books have in all ages commanded the veneration of mankind; and
this appreciation of their value has been commonly evinced by the
skill and ingenuity devoted to their decoration. Nor is this devotion to the internal and external adornment of books peculiar to




VII1                     PREFACE.
past ages; it is no less a characteristic of our own, when the
resources of taste and inventive art have become well nigh exhausted in the lavish expenditure of costly embellishment which distinguishes many of our modern literary productions. There are,
however, exceptions to the rule.
Good books, it has been well observed, deserve good binding; did
they but contain the power of speech, as well as all manner of
tongues, how many tales of woe would they relate to us of the
neglect and destruction they have suffered, merely for'the want of
a decent covering, which would have secured to them the friendship and esteem of the scholar, as well as universal admiration.




HISTORIC SKETCH
OF THE
ART OF BOOK-BINDING
THE art and mystery of book-binding, from its
connexion with the progress of literary enterprise,
necessarily possesses a peculiar interest and
importance in the world of letters. A few brief
notices of the early scribes, illuminators, and
publishers, may not therefore be deemed inappropriate, as introductory to the following sketch
of the book-binding art.
13




14       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
The literary profession originated even in
classic times, when an extensive traffic was carried on in MSS., by the Scribes and Copyists;
it also flourished during the Saxon era, many
eminent names being on record of transcribers in
the seventh and eighth centuries.  Books in
their present form were invented, it is said, by
Attalus, King of Pergamus, in 887.
The diffusive spread of knowledge, and the
founding of monasteries. gave increased importance to this branch of commerce, although the
earliest mention of a "public dealer in books" is
of one Peter de Blois, who lived about 1170.
He was a distinguished scholar, having been
remarkable for his great erudition.
Bibliopoles of the olden time exercised their
calling under the supervision and censorship of
the Universities; and books were then, moreover, rare and costly luxuries-the prerogative
of the privileged few; now they have become the
common property of mankind.
During the middle ages, the booksellers were
called Stationarii at the Universities of Paris
and Bologna; but the first regularly matriculated
bookseller was doubtless Faustus, for he is said




OF BOOK-BINDING.            15
to have carried his books for sale to the Monasteries in France, and elsewhere.  The first
bookseller who purchased MSS. for publication,
and speculated in the enterprise (not possessing
a press of his own), was John Otto, of Nuremberg, who  flourished in  1516.  Caxton, the
father of the English press, however, who lived
1471-1491, and who had twenty-four presses
in his office at Westminster Abbey, doubtless
issued many new and original productions at
his own risk, as well as older works, and the
emanations of his own pen.
The history of the publishing business, from
the invention of the " divine art" to the close of
the seventeenth century, is graced with a luminous train of illustrious names, as author-booksellers, whose literary attainments and critical
acumen shed lustre alike on both the pursuits of
author and publisher.
From the days of Caxton to the accession of
James I., the press appears to have been to no
inconsiderable extent devoted to the printing of
classical works; this preference for the literary
stores of antiquity, however, was not restricted
to the English press,it prevailed to a still greater




16       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
degree among the printers of Germany, Italy,
and France.  The labors of the Alduses, the
Stephenses, and the Plantins, were thus consecrated, till at the dawn, and during the era of
the Reformation, the printing of the Sacred
Scriptures, in a great measure, divided the attention of the printers. The celebrated names of
Wynkin de Worde, Pynson, Weir, Day, Dunton, Tonson, Lintot, and Ballard, with others,
form a luminous train of illustrious bibliopoles,
whose literary enterprises occupy a conspicuous
feature in early literary history, for some of them
contributed in no small degree to enrich numerically the estate of English literature —Wynkin
de Worde, the able associate and successor of
Caxton, having printed four hundred and eight
distinct works, while Pynson, Day, and others,
issued more than half that number, each. Between the years 1474 and 1600, it has been
estimated about 350 printers flourished in England and Scotland, and that the products of their
several presses amounted in the aggregate to
10,000 distinct productions. At the great fire of
London in 1666, the booksellers of Paternoster
Row sustained a serious loss-as heavy a cala



OF BOOK-BINDING.          17
mity to them, as the destruction of the Alexandrian Library was to the ancients. Dwelling in
such close proximity to St. Paul's, they were
accustomed to deposit large quantities of books,
for their supposed greater safety, in the vaults of
the Old Cathedral; these, at the time of the fire,
were valued by Evelyn at ~200,000.
In ancient times, a great variety of materials
were used in making books; plates of lead and
copper, bricks, wooden planks, and the thin part
of the bark of the lime, ash, and maple. From
hence is derived the term liber, which signifies
the inner bark of trees; and as these were rolled
up to render them portable, they were called
volumen, or volume-a name afterwards given to
the like rolls of papyrus, parchment, and paper.
The two earliest works of which we have any
knowledge are the Pentateuch and the Iliadone being part of a divine revelation, and the
other one of the greatest achievements of human
genius.
Josephus speaks of two columns-the one of
stone, the other of brick, —on which the children
of Seth wrote their inventions and astronomical
discoveries.  Writing, according to the same




18       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
authority, was invented by Seth.  Porphyry
makes mention of some pillars, preserved in
Crete, on which the ceremonies practised by
the Corybantes in their sacrifices were recorded.
Hesiod's works were originally written upon
tables of lead, and deposited in the Temple of the
Muses in Boeotia. The Ten Commandments
delivered to Moses, we are informed in Holy
Writ, were written upon stone; and Solon's laws
were recorded upon wooden planks. Tables of
wood, box, and ivory were commonly used for
the purpose among the ancients: when of wood,
they were frequently covered with wax, to render
the surface easier for inscribing.  The art of
making paper from fibrous matter, reduced to a
pulp in water, which is the present method,
appears to have been invented by the Chinese
about the year 95 A.D. Previously to this time,
the inner bark of the bamboo was used, and a
style or bodkin then supplied the place of the
pen. Before the invention of paper from cotton,
which occurred about the year 1000 of the
Christian era, the Egyptian papyrus, from which
the term paper is derived, was the material principally used for writing purposes. The papyrus




OF BOOK-BINDING.           19
consisted of thin consecutive coats, or pellicles,
that surround the stock of this reedy plant; the
slips were laid out to dry, and then polished for
use. Papyrus was a great article of commerce
in the East; it was used, indeed, throughout
Europe, and extensively at Rome.  Among
other works, the New Testament was originally
written upon this fabric. Numerous specimens
of ancient writings upon papyrus are still extant;
some Greek MSS., supposed to have been written about the year 135 B.C., some Egyptian
MSS. at Leyden, and others at the Vatican, of
as remote a date as 646 years B.C. Vast numbers were discovered among the ruins of Herculaneum.  Parchment, usually made of the skins
of sheep, derives its name from Pergamus, where
it is said to have been invented by Eumenes,
about 197 B.C., in consequence of the scarcity
of the papyrus. To such delicate texture was it
susceptible of being brought, that Cicero is said
to have seen a copy of the Iliad transcribed so
minutely upon it, as to be placed within a
nut-shell. Multitudes of valuable MSS. were
destroyed in Italy and other parts of southern
Europe during the 5th century, and for nearly a




20       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
thousand years literature was little cultivated in
Europe.  A few monks and others occupied
themselves with transcribing the more celebrated
productions, and many of these caligraphists
attained to great skill in their art. Thus the
Scriptures were handed down to our times, as
well as most of the Greek and Roman classics;
and we have to thank those religious ascetics for
the preservation of most of our literary treasures.
So precious were manuscripts in those days,
that an Anglo-Saxon bishop, named Wilfred, had
the books of the four evangelists copied out in
letters of gold upon purple parchment; and such
value did he set upon the work when it was
completed, that he kept it in a case of gold
adorned with precious stones. Few men, excepting the monks, were capable of writing in
those early times. We find a certain king of
Kent, affixing to a charter the sign of a cross,
and causing the scribe to add below, that it was
on account of his ignorance of writing that he
could not sign his name.
Prior to the invention of printing, as books
were multiplied by the slow process of transcribing, during the middle ages, this task was per



OF BOOK-BINDING.           21
formed by monks aud illuminators with singular
devotion, for they sometimes were occupied for
years in the writing and embellishment of these
productions.  Books in those days were few
indeed, as well as readers, but the process was
laborious in the extreme, compared with the
present times. Nor are the attractions of genius
alone deemed sufficient to satisfy the taste of the
age; the choicest resources of decorative art are
put in requisition for tdie internal and external
embellishment of the several products of the
mind. In the middle ages, even bishops and
monks loved to engage in the art of book-binding. Reference is made to the fact by Bede,
who cites an instance of a superbly illuminated
Prayer-book, the binding of which was of pure
ivory, studded with gems.  There were also
trading binders, called Ligatores.
Our forefathers used to exhibit the leaves
instead of the backs of their books, being ambitious of displaying the silken strings and gold or
silver clasps. The art of ornamenting the exterior was carried to a lavish extent; jewels as
well as precious metals, were employed to evince
their splendor.




22        THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
Peacham advises as follows:-" Have a care of
keeping your books handsome and well bound,
not casting away over much in their gilding and
stringing, for ostentation sake,-like the prayer
bokes of girles and gallants, which are carried to
church for their outsides."
There are many instances upon record of
sumptuous bindings; some specimens of missals
are still extant, with covers of solid silver, gilt.
Gold, relics, ivory, velvet, large bosses of brass,
and other costly ornaments, were formerly used
for the exterior decoration of books. Queen
Elizabeth was very choice over a little tome, the
composition of Catharine Parr, which was
inclosed in a solid gold cover, and which she
used to carry about with her as a " pet book,"
attached to her side by a golden chain. The
manuscript copy of the Gospels, used originally
at the Coronation of Henry I., and down to that
of Edward VI., which is said to be still extant, is
of a different description, being inclosed within
oaken boards, an inch thick, fastened together
with thongs of leather and brass bosses —a dainty
object for kingly lips to kiss, in token of their




OF BOOK-BINDING.          23
submission to their coronation oath. This book
was literally bound in boards.
Illuminated books were in much repute from
the sixth to the seventeenth century. A monk
was employed thirty years in the monastery of
St. Audeon, on one missal.  It was finished
1682.
Many of the manuscripts of the mediaeval age
were magnificent in the extreme; sometimes
they were inscribed with liquid gold on parchment of the richest purple, and adorned with
brilliant illuminations of exquisite workmanship.
All this prodigal decoration, however, tended
greatly to enhance the price of books to an
extent which to us would sound enormously extravagant.  Thanks to the invention of "the
divine art" and the agency of steam, we now
may multiply books to an almost unlimited extent, and at an incredibly trifling expense. The
rich and elaborate illuminations of the laborious
monks and scribes of olden times we also re-produce in all their gorgeousness and splendor, at
almost a fraction of their original cost.  The
same remark applies with equal force to the
external decorations in binding of books; the




24       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
most exquisite skill having been evinced in the
emblematic devices lavished upon them.
Book-binding has been deemed one of the
most difficult arts; it is incontestably one requiring no little care, neatness, taste, and skill, as
may be easily seen in the three great characteristics ot good binding,-solidity, elasticity, and
elegance.  This will be also evinced in the
various processes of coloring and preparing the
leather, the curious and ingenious devices for
decorating the covers, and marbling or gilding
the edges of books. Forwarding has ever been
deemed the great desideratum of all good binding.
The early binders were very rigid upon this
point, as may be seen by the following extract
from the Code of laws of 1750, referring to this
particular.  " Be it held, that the master binders
do sew all their books with thread and real
bands, do back them with parchment, and not
paper; and in case of infringement the said
books shall be done again at the expense of the
infringer; who shall besides be condemned to a
fine of thirty pounds for each volume." Care in
this respect is of the utm.ost importance, when
the book is valuable, either from its rarity or the




OF BOOK-BINDING.           25
splendor of its embellishment, such works daily
augmenting in price; for if carelessly or badly
bound, the re-binding, and consequent cropping
the book down by re-cutting the edges, tends
considerably to depreciate its value,-a good
margin being " a primary object with the genuine
book collector."
Dr. Dibdin, who, from his long and intimate
connexion with the most celebrated book collectors of Europe, may be regarded as no mean
authority, in speaking of book-binding, thus
pleads its claims. " The general appearance of
one's library is by no means a matter of mere
foppery or indifference; it is a sort of cardinal
point to which the tasteful collector does well
to take heed.  You have a right to consider
books as to their outsides,-with the eye of a
painter; because this does not militate against
the proper use of the contents."  This learned
pundit recommends 2russia for works on antiquity, architecture, or history, and light colored
calf for works in belles-lettres.
Particular departments of literature have their
respective kinds of binding.; for example, theological works are usually bound in dark blue,




26        THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
purple, black, or some sedate color. Law books
have their established livery, known as law
binding, the leather being left its natural color,
light brown or fawn color; and the edges of the
leaves white. Dutch binding is where the backs
are of vellum  or parchment.  Some collectors
have adopted a peculiar livery for the binding of
their entire libraries-sometimes half calf or half
morocco, gilt.  The styles of binding for the
various classes of literature are designated by the
terms,filleted, lettered gilt, half extra, super extra,
according to the quality and style of ornament
bestowed upon a book.   Stationery or blank
book binding is also another distinct branch of
the art.
"It is yet with books," says Hume, "as with
women, where a certain plainness of dress and
style is more engaging than that glare of paint
and apparel, which so dazzle the eye, but reach
not the affections;" although it cannot be denied
that most are delighted with an elegantly bound
book. The casket should be worthy of the gem
it incloses; or, as Shakspeare says,
"A book in many's eyes doth share the glory
That in gold clasps locks in the golden story."




OF BOOK-BINDING.           27
When  the art of book-binding was first
invented, it is impossible to ascertain. Phillatius, a learned Athenian, was the first who
pointed out the use of a particular glue for fastening the leaves of a book together-an invention which his countrymen thought of such
importance, that they erected a statue to his
memory. The most ancient mode of binding
consisted in glueing the different leaves together,
and attaching them to cylinders of wood, round
which they were rolled: this is called Egyptian
binding, and continued to be practised long after
the age of Augustus. This method is yet in use
in oriental countries, and in Jewish synagogues,
where they still continue to write books of the
law on strips of vellum sewed together, so as to
form only one long page; on each extremity of
which is a roller, furnished with clasps of gold or
silver.
The Romans carried the art of book-binding
to a considerable perfection; and some of their
public officers had books called Diptychs, in
which their acts were written. An old writer
says that about the Christian era the books of
the Romans were covered with red, yellow, green,




28       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
and purple leather, and decorated with silver and
gold. In the 13th century, some of the Gospels,
missals, and service books for the use of the
Greek and Roman churches were covered in
gold and silver; some were also enamelled and
enriched with precious stones and pearls of great
value.
In the 15th century, when Art was universal,
such men as Albert Durer, Raffaelle, and Giulio
Romano decorated books. The use of calf and
morocco binding seems to have followed the
introduction of printing; and there are many
printed books bound in calf with oaken boards.
About the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries they were stamped with gold and blind tools.
The earliest of these tools generally represent
figures, such as Christ, St. Paul, coats of arms,
&c., —according to the contents of the book.
In the reign of Henry VIII., about 1538, Grafton the printer undertook to print the Great
Bible; for which purpose he went to Paris, there
not being sufficient men or types in England.
He had not, however, proceeded far before he
was stopped in the progress of this heretical
book; when he returned to England, bringing




OF BOOK-BINDING.          29
with him presses, type, printers, and book-binders,
and finished the work in 1539. Henry VIII.
had many books bound in velvet, with gold
bosses and ornaments; and in his reign the
stamping of tools in gold appears to have been
introduced. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth
some exquisite bindings were done by embroidery.  The Queen herself used to work the
covers with gold and silver thread, spangles, &c.
Count Grolier seems to have been a great patron
of the art on the continent; and all his books
were bound in smooth morocco or calf, ornamented with gold.
The style of the books of Maioli was very
similar to that of Grolier, or those of Diana of
Poictiers —the specimens done for her being
among the finest ever produced, and were no
doubt designed by Petit Bernard. Roger Paine
was the first Englishman who produced a really
good binding; and some of his best works, such
as French romances, were powdered with the
fleur-de-lis. His books on chivalry had suitable
ornaments; on poetical works he used a simple
lyre; and he carried the emblematical style of
binding as far as emblems ought to be used.




30       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
The bibliopegist is as essential as the typographer and the author, to the production of an
elegant book; and the mechanic skill of the two
former, no less than the genius of the author,
deserves an appropriate recognition.
The various mechanical details and social
economy of an extensive book-bindery like that
referred to in the following pages, which is the
oldest establishment of its class in New York,
cannot, it is believed, prove altogether uninteresting to the lovers of literature and the public
generally.
The principal warehouse (for a sketch of
which, see frontispiece) is where the operations
are conducted for binding books in cloth boards,
the most prevalent style at the present day. In
one department, females are engaged in folding
the sheets, gathering them into groups, sewing
them into the form of a book, &c.; while in
this room are men pursuing the subsequent
operations of glueing, pasting, cutting, hammering, pressing, &c., by which the book is brought
to a finished state. This is a very busy scene,
and one presenting much variety, from the distinct nature of the processes carried on.




OF BOOK-BINDING.            31
Book-binding, as already intimated, requires
the exercise of great care, dexterity, and taste, as
well as laborious devotion to its several details,
in order to insure success.  There. are separate
and distinct branches of the business, —plain and
ornamental hook-binding, law binding, and blank
book and ledger binding. The latter is a department in itself, and is usually conducted by
stationers.
The various sizes of books, it is known, are
designated by the number of leaves in which the
sheet is folded. For instance, folio is two leaf,
quarto, four leaves, octavo, eight, duodecimo,
twelve to a sheet, and so on to the smallest
sizes of 24, 32, &c. After the sheets of a book
have been folded, they are collated by the numeral or letter placed at the foot of the first page of
each sheet, in order to ascertain that the work is
perfect. The next process to which it is submitted is that of pressing.  This is accomplished
by means of a hydraulic press.  The back of
the sheets is then sawed by machine, after
which the sewing process commences.
The operation of sewing is conducted with
great rapidity, since a female can sew two or




32       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
three thousand sheets a day. Many modifications of the process occur, according to the size
of the book and the style of binding. Thus, the
number of strings may be from two to five.
A sewing-press consists of a flat bed or board,
from which rise two end-bars, connected at the
_  I il u
top by a cross-bar.  Each successive sheet is
laid flat on the bed of the sewing-press, with the
back edge in contact with the strings, then
opened in the middle, and fastened to the strings
by passing a threaded needle backward and for



OF BOOK-BINDING.            33
ward through the central fold of the sheet;
each thread, after passing from the inside to the
out, being made to loop or twist round one
of the strings before entering the sheet again.
As soon as one sheet is fastened to all the strings,
another is laid down on it, and fastened in a
similar manner.
The sewer, seated somewhat obliquely in front
of this machine, with her left arm passing round
the left vertical bar (as seen in the annexed cut),
proceeds to sew the various sheets to the bands,
her left hand being behind the strings, and her
right hand before.
The modern invention of caoutchouc or India
rubber binding, it should be remarked, supersedes
the necessity of sewing. A flexibility is effected
by this kind of binding, greater than can be produced by a sewed book; it also is so retentive as
to bind every single leaf securely.
When the book is taken from the sewingpress, an inch or two of each string is left
hanging to it; these are afterwards either scraped
so thin as to be but little conspicuous, or are
employed for fastening the book to its case.
The back of the book-that is, the assembled
/ ~2*




34      THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
back-edges of all the sheets —is glued, to increase
the bond by which they are held together.
When the book has gone through one or two
other minor processes, that one succeeds which
is, perhaps, as remarkable as anything displayed
in book-binding; viz. rounding the back and
hollowing the front, as represented in the following cut.
s-:
The back of the book being thus rounded, a
groove is thereby formed, into which the millboard is adjusted; the covers being fastened by
the strings through the boards. The book, after




OF BOOK-BINDING.            35
being properly adjusted between two boards, is
screwed in a press, with one of the ends projecting a little above the level of the bench. The
ends of all the leaves are then cut off while in
this position, by means of an instrument called a
"plough," the cutting edge of which, in its mode
of action, is midway between that of a pointed
knife and a plane-iron.  The edges are all cut
to a perfect level; and the book being reversed,
the other end is similarly treated.
The above engraving represents the machine
by which the boards are cut.  These shears




36       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
are so arranged that they are made to cut
with perfect accuracy, according to any pattern.
The preparatory process for binding in leather
varies somewhat from the foregoing, which
relates to books bound in muslin. The embossing machine, delineated in the following
engraving, is used for stamping covers with
various devices. It is of immense pressure, sometimes amounting to fifty tons. Two of these
beautiful machines, costing $1000 each, constructed by Adams of Boston, are constantly in
use in the above establishment. They are both
worked and heated by steam, and are capable of
producing about eighteen impressions each an
hour. The entire amount of machinery used in
this department of the New York Bindery may
be estimated at $15,000. There is also a great
variety of standing presses, from the gigantic




OF BOOK-BINDING.            37
hydraulic to the simple lever power-press.  So
complete and ample are its appointments, that it
is believed no similar establishment can boast
superior facilities in this respect in the United
States.   The number of its employes varies
according to circumstances from sixty to a hundred, and sometimes more.  So extensive are
the facilities of this establishment, that from 800
to 1000 volumes have frequently been bound in
a single day.
The various details of the finishing and decorating process it is unnecessary to particularize.
The ornaments on the back, sides, or edges of a
book, are frequently done by a wheel or " roll," in
the manner here represented.  The edge or
periphery of the wheel has the device in relief,
and this, being wheeled along carefully over the
surface of the book, leaves a corresponding
depression.
The costly bindings in velvet and silk, the
gold and silver clasps of expensive bibles, and all
the niceties which the connoisseur in book-binding regards with such an admiring eye, we must
pass over.
Book-binding has made wonderful advances




38        THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
during the past ten or fifteen years; the multiplied uses of machinery having, to a great extent,
usurped the former slow processes by hand.
We are indebted to the French for the invention of illuminated binding. This is relieved by
the insertion of different colored leathers, in
imitation of the illuminated MSS. and missals of
the middle ages. The effect of this method of




OF BOOK-BINDING.           39
inlaying is very rich and beautiful; uniting the
attractions of the most elaborate gilding and skill
in design with the beauties of the arabesque.
By the aid of machinery, this gorgeous style of
binding, which formerly was only to be produced
at prodigious expense, is now made available at
comparatively very  moderate cost.  Another
specimen of ornate binding is that lately introduced in imitation of the antique oak-carving,
and iron. The covers are of gutta percha, and
present so close a resemblance to the former, that
it is difficult to detect the difference between
them. Great varieties of devices have challenged
the ingenuity and skill of modern book-binding.
The process of gilding the edges of a book is
a curious and delicate operation.  After the
edges are well scraped and burnished with the
agate, they are then colored over with red bole
or chalk, ground in soap, rubbed immediately
dry with fine clean paper shavings, and again
well burnished.  This gives a richer effect
to the gilding, and tends to hide any defects.
The gold leaf is then cut into slips, and laid on.
When it is required to give an additional degree of beauty and finish to any ancient pro



40        THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
duction, the edges are done in the antique style,
by stamping them with flowers or other devices,
characteristic of the date of the book.  This
mode, said to be peculiar to works of the 16th
century, is now  seldom  used.  The mode of
gilding upon marbled edges, which Dr. Dibdin,
in his "Decatmeron," styles "the ne plus ultra
of the bibliopegistic art," is another process, demanding great expertness and skill.  The effect
is very beautiful, for, when finished, the marbling
is perceived through the gold, and presents a
very striking effect. Landscapes, and paintings
of flowers in water colors, are sometimes produced in a similar manner, the luxurious effect
of which is dazzlingly beautiful.  The picture
will not be apparent when the volume is closed,
from the gold covering it, but when the leaves
are spread out obliquely, it will be at once seen.
It remains only for us to speak briefly of the
gilt embellishments, called embossed or arabesque
bindings. These are executed with designs cut
in plates of brass; after the impressions of which
have been made, the gold is rubbed off to display the beauty of the device. Another rich
style of ornamental binding is that of silk, satin, or




OF BOOK-BINDING.            41
velvet, with decorations in gold and silver.  The
illuminated style of binding is one of the utmost
magnificence, uniting the beauties of the arabesque and gilt ornament with the illuminations
of the early missals and MSS. of the middle ages.
This mode of binding was formerly produced
at prodigious cost; but, although it is now comparatively seldom adopted, it is effected by a
much less expensive process-that of inlaying
various colored leathers.
By the important aid of modern machinery, a
vast improvement both as to accuracy and beauty
of workmanship, as well as economy, has been
effected. In the New York Book-bindery, the
most complete and systematic arrangements exist,
so that all these advantages are thus rendered
available to their utmost extent. It offers, therefore, peculiar advantages for gentlemen forming
or enriching their literary collections, with whom
economy is an object-the scale of charges for
the various styles of binding being much below
the average, while the workmanship is guaranteed
of the best possible description.  This establishment, which has been in successful operation for
about fifteen years, is chiefly devoted to the




42        THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
more elegant and costly styles of book-binding,
in its several varieties of velvet, turkey, morocco,
russia, calf, and sheep binding, &c.
Fashion, which arbitrates taste in everything
else, rules in the matter of book-binding; successive epochs have had their various peculiarities,
and have left on the covers of books the impress of
their prevailing styles.  During the middle ages,
and at later periods, we find books were inclosed
in massive covers of oak, grotesquely and sometimes beautifully adorned with carved devices,
huge bosses, clasps, &c. There were also others
of vellum, hog skin, and sheep skin, with heavy
back bands and thick boards, bevelled off towards
the edges.  Of the more costly styles of the missals we have already spoken.  Book-binding
scarcely attained to the dignity of an art till
within the past thirty years.  During this interval, it has made advances commensurate with
the progress of the arts of engraving and printing.
This increased devotion to the cultivation of
literature and the fine arts, is attributable to the
fostering care and patronage of men of opulence
and taste.
That the book-binding art is susceptible of yet




OF BOOK-BINDING.            43
further improvement will be readily admitted.
This is abundantly evident from the beautiful
specimens of the art exhibited on some of the
works recently issued by the London publishers,
and by Mr. Putnam of this city, whose superior
taste in this particular, as well as in the typographical excellence of his publications, has obtained
such deserved celebrity throughout the United
States.  Books, as well as their authors, are
deserving of good clothing; they are, indeed, not
infrequently judged of by the popular eye, more
by their exterior embellishment than by the
claims of their intrinsic excellence. A genuine
book would certainly sell none the less for being
well bound; and it is well known that many an
inferior literary production has attained even an
extended sale, solely in consequence of its having
an elegantly embellished cover.
It is a singular fact, that with the advantages of
the highest cultivation of art before us, we should
revert back to the gorgeous designs of the Gothic
ages for the embellishment of our books. How
far this preference for the antique is likely to
become permanently popular it is difficult to
decide. It is, we think, not improbable that it




44       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
will in a short time give place to a standard of
taste more in unison with the modern arts of
design. It cannot, however, be denied that great
credit is due to the laborious research and artistic
skill of Mr. Owen Jones, whose numerous and
superb specimens of the illuminations of the
medieval epoch evince such surpassing beauty
in their dazzling contrast of coloring, and splendor of the art of printing in gold and silver.
Thus much for the general history of bookbinding.  We may now ble permitted to refer
more particularly to the book-binding establishment of Messrs. Walker.
We have been able merely to give a general
outline of the various processes of binding, and
must necessarily omit more minute details.  The
costly bindings in velvet and silk, the gold and
silver clasps of expensive illustrated works, including Bibles, Prayers, &c., and all the niceties
which the connoisseur in book-binding regards
with such an admiring eye, we must pass over in
silence. It remains only for us to state, that so
complete and extensive are the arrangements
effected in this establishment, that the binding of
an entire library can be superintended with as




OF BOOK-BINDING.            45
much facility as a single volume, while equal
accuracy, elegance, economy, and expedition may
be confidently relied upon.  It is one of the
distinguishing peculiarities of the New  York
Bindery, that the several processes of bookbinding are all performed within the establishment.
By an admirable distribution of labor in this
establishment, large editions of any work, consisting of even 10,000 volumes, can be produced
in muslin or sheep binding, in an incredibly
short space of time, and in the best possible manner.  All the various recent improvements in
the art of decorative design and elaborate pictorial and emblematical gilding are here to be
found in rich profusion. By the judicious policy
of the proprietors, who pay the most liberal
terms to their employ6es, the services of the most
skilful artists are secured for the several departments of this establishment.  Many of the
most superb productions of art that have
ever been seen in the United States have
issued from this bindery; and as an evidence of
its popularity may be mentioned the fact, that
upwards of six thousand copies of Harper's Pic



46       THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
torial Bible and Shakspeare have been bound in
a variety of splendid emblematic styles, at this
establishment. Every variety of plain and ornamental binding is here executed in muslin, sheep,
roan, English, French, and American calf, russia,
vellum, morocco, velvet, and the inlaid or illuminated styles, as well as those unique and economic styles in half calf and morocco. In all cases
the very best description of material and workmanship, combining strength and elegance of
finish, will be found to characterize the binding
here executed. Librarians connected with colleges and other public institutions, will find it a
matter of great economy to apply direct to this
establishment, as they will thereby effect a saving
of twenty per cent., and sometimes more-a
deduction of price being made upon large orders
so consigned. It will also be to the interest of
gentlemen residing at a distance, who sometimes
experience a difficulty in getting their binding
well done, to pack and direct their orders as
above, stating style and price, as they may rely
upon their books being well bound, at the lowest
prices, and carefully packed and returned with
all possible dispatch.  In all such cases the




OF BOOK-BINDING.          47
owner will be charged with freight, and an order
for payment for the binding, on a bank or firm
in New York, will be required. The owners of
books thus sent should state expressly the route
by which they wish them to be returned.
In returning his grateful acknowledgments to
his numerous friends and the public for the liberal
patronage they have for so many years bestowed
upon him, the proprietor takes this opportunity to inform them that he has recently very
considerably enlarged and improved his establishment, which he believes to be now as extensive,
and to possess as great facilities as any bookbindery in the United States.
His two sons, who have been trained under
his special care, aided by talented instructors, are
now in partnership with him, and they confidently hope, by their united attention and experience, to give entire satisfaction to their
patrons-who may rest assured no expense will
be spared in the adoption of every improvement,
the employment of the highest grade of workmen,
and the most careful selection of stock, while in
all instances the most reasonable scale of prices
will be adopted.




48             THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS
Music bound on an improved principle, with
patent spring backs, in neat and elegant bindings.
For the convenience of persons residing at a
distance, the following list of works, with the
prices of binding  annexed, has been  subjoined, in
order to facilitate them in forming an estimate
of any works of corresponding size and style
they may desire to have bound.
VIRTUE'S ELEGANT BIBLE.
2 vols. impl. 4to., library style, marbled edges... $8 00
Strong calf;, marbled edges.                          10 00
Turkey morocco, gilt edges..    16 00
do.    extra    do.                               20 00
HARPER'S PICTORIAL BIBLE.
I vol. royal 4to., library style.                      3 00
Strong calf, marbled edges.                            4 00
Turkey morocco, gilt, gilt edges.                      6 50
do. extra  do.                                     8 00
HARPER'S PICTORIAL SHAKSPEARE.
3 vols. royal 8vo. calf, gilt, marbled edges.          6 00
Turkey morocco, gilt, gilt edges.                      8 00
do.    extra       do.                            10 00
ALISON'S EUROPE.
4 vols. 8vo., neat half calf, marbled edges.           2 50
Full calf, gilt..6 00
MERRIAM'S WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY.
Imperial 8vo., strong calf.....            2 50
morocco extra, gilt edges..           4 00
AMERICAN SCENERY.
2 vols. 4to., half morocco, extra gilt edge..         5 00
Full Turkey morocco, do.                         10 00




OF BOOK-BINDING.                          49
GODEY'S AND GRAHAM'S MAGAZINES.
Half morocco, gilt, marbled edges....   $1 00
Neat calf, gilt,       do..                           2 00
Turkey mor., extra, gilt edges...          3 00
HIARPER'S FAMILY LIBRARY.
18mo., half calf, gilt, marbled edges....     50
Full calf, gilt..                     100
AUDUBON'S BIRDS.
7 vols. royal 8vo., half morocco, gilt edges.           10 50
Full calf, gilt, marbled edges.. 14 00
Turkey morocco, extra gilt do....   21 00
AUDUBON'S QUADRUPEDS.
3 vols., royal double folio, half strong binding... 15 00
Half Turkey, morocco, extra.                          18 00
do.      do.      gilt edges.... 24 00
do.      do.       do. joints... 30 00








VALUABLE
NATIONAL AND STANDARD WORKS,
PUBLISHED BY
E. WALKER, 114 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK.
I.
THE. STATESMAN'S  MANUAL.
In 4 volumes octavo, elegantly printed, and embellished by twelve portraits of the Presidents, finely engraved on steel, and bound in muslin,
extra gilt, or sheep binding.
THE ADDRESSES AND MESSAGES
OF TIlE
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES,
INAUGURAL, ANNUAL, AND SPECIAL,
FROM 1789 TO 1849.
With a memoir of each of the Presidents, and a history of their administrations; also the Constitution of the United States, and a selection
of important documents and statistical information. Compiled from
official resources. By EDWIN WILLIAMS.
The " Reference Edition" of the above work, in 3 large volumes octavo,
without the portraits, muslin, gilt.
From the President of the United States.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 1849.
Mr. E. WALKER-Sir: It affords me pleasure to say, that I consider
the" Statesman's Manual" one of the most valuable publications of the
day. It must become an indispensable book of reference to all persons
engaged in public affairs, and others who study the history and practical
operation of our government. I am yours, &c.
ZACHARY TAYLOR.
From the Hon. Henry Clay.
"My dear Sir:-Your Statesman's Manual is a very valuable work
for reference. Yours, &c.,                       HENRY CLAY."
"This superb work is a complete repertory of political information
relative to the United States. The contents are compiled from official
sources, by Edwin Williams, Esq., and the whole is embellished with
portraits of the Presidents, engraved on steel by Balch. The political
events which have marked the progress of this great Republic, have
necessarily been foreshadowed in the messages and addresses of the
several Presidents; bringing them into chronological order and exhibiting
their march from inception to conclusion, must, in a great degree, abridge
the time and labor usually devoted to their study by politicians. Mr.
Williams's work is the best help to the student of history, administrative
and diplomatic, of the United States, that exists in the language. It.51




52         E  Walker's National and Standard Works.
should be in every library, and form a vade mecum or constant companion to every one who aspires to take part in the legislation of this
country."-New Orleans Picayune.
"This is one of the most important books published in'the United
States for a long time."-New  York Journal of Commerce.
" A most complete library in itself, of all that concerns the politics of
the country. No individual should be without these volumes. How
many hours of idle discussions and senseless debates might be spared to
heated partizans, were these books at hand for appeal. We shall have
frequent occasion to refer to them."-Democratic Review.
" It is, in truth, the best historical narrative of our political statistics
that has ever been published on the science of government, of any description whatever, for it furnishes, throughout, the varied and interesting
development of the action of a free and enlightened government on the
multifarious interests of society, and demonstrates that the latter are more
perfectly guarded under the aegis of republican institutions than any
other. This work is well written, well printed, and well bound, and
must, sooner or later, enter into every library."-Home Journal.
"We can say no more, and ought to say no less, of this work, than
that it is the most complete constitutional history of the United States
that exists, or that can be constructed within the same space. It is indispensable to the library of every American scholar, as a book of reference,
and as its title indicates, it is, and always must be, the Statesman's.llanual."-New  York Evening Post.
" The' Statesman's Manual' is a work of great value, and should be
owned and read by every citizen who wishes to know the administrative
history of the government under which he lives. It presents information
nowhere else to be found in a combined form, of the utmost importance
to every American, and absolutely necessary for every public man to
possess."-Boston Post.
" This publication is invaluable, not only to the politician, but to every
citizen: no American library will be complete without it." —New Orleans Bulletin.
" No library should be without the book, and if any man has got a
house without a library, let him purchase these to begin one.  We take
it for granted that a work of such unusual interest will be universally
called for."-Graham's,Magazine.
" Few productions of the present day have emanated from the press
with stronger claims upon the public patronage than this. It is a noble
attempt to present to the great body of the American people, in an available and popular form, the documentary history of the executive government from its commencement under Washington to that of Taylor,
together with the details of each administration, in consecutive order, and
a mass of important statistical matter not elsewhere to be met with."Boston Courier.
" Here is indeed a work worthy of its title-national; there can be no
doubt of its taking its place permanently among works of the highest
value."-Boston Christian Register.
" To say that these elegant and important tomes deserve a conspicuous place in every private and public library, is not all that should be
said-they are indispensable to every lawyer, politician, or intelligent,
patriotic citizen." —Boston Christian Witness.




E. TWalker's National and Standard Works.            53
II.
NATIONAL  AND  PERENNIAL  GIFT- BOOK.
In one splendidly embellished volume octavo, with rich illuminations in
gold and colors, and twelve highly finished portraits of the Presidents,
engraved on steel, and bound in a unique and costly style.
THE
TWELVE STARS OF OUR REPUBLIC.
THE NATION'S GIFT-BOOK TO HER YOUNG CITIZENS.
"This elegant volume, which, under the attractive external of an
Annual, presents a mass of information relative to our twelve Presidents,
must possess interest and value for every American. The Memoirs of
these first men of our nation furnish lessons of practical utility, and fire
the youthful mind with a desire to imitate their greatness. The preliminary sketch, setting forth the causes of our great revolution, is a
clear and masterly essay. The engravings of the Presidents are faithfully executed."-Lit. American.
a" This is truly a beautiful and valuable book; handsomely bound, ele —
gantly illustrated, and admirably written.  It contains Portraits and
Biographical Sketches of all the Presidents, from Washington to Taylor;;
and we hardly know which to commend most, the excellence of the
portraits or the justness of the sketches.  Mr. Williams, though a moderate and consistent Whig, is one of the fairest political writers of the
day; and we doubt if the most ardent and ultra Democrat can find a
single line in the volume before us to complain of, on the ground of par-.
tisan bias.  As for accuracy in dates and statistics, Mr. Williams has no
equal in the United States.
" We have not space to dwell upon the merits of' The Twelve Stars;'
but the book cannot be praised above its deserts; and as a' gift-book'
for all classes of readers, it is worth whole cart-loads of fashionable
Annuals."- New York Mirror.
" This is a splendid gift-book. It contains sixteen beautiful illustrations, among which are twelve line engravings, representing all the
Presidents, fiom Washington to Taylor; also four illuminated engravings, as follows:' The Convention of the Signers of the Declaration,'' Bunker Hill,'' The Capitol at Washington,' The President's House.'
In addition to the engravings, there are nearly four hundred pages of
letter-press, consisting of much valuable information, especially for young
people. The mechanical execution of the book is beautiful, a remark
which may be made on any work coming froln Mr. Walker's establishment."-New York Sun.
" The publisher, taking advantage of a happy thought, has made an
annual of the memoirs of the Presidents, recently issued in other forms,
and by adding an illuminated title-page, and views of Independence Hall,
the Capitol, and the Presidential mansion, has made a very attractive
volume, which is incased in an attractive binding. A portrait of each
President, finely engraved on steel, is given in each volume. It is, as we
have already said, a very valuable book." —Commercial Adv.
" An elaborate and accurate collection of highly interesting biographical sketches-in one beautiful volume. No book can be better adapted
for a present to American youth." —Tribune.




54         E. Walker's National and Standard Works.
" The frontispiece and other embellishments of the work are superb.
It is beautifully printed on fine white paper, and is in all respects equal to
our first-class American Annuals.  The binding glitters with elegant
designs, in harmony with the contents and objects of the volume, and as
a gift-book, we have as yet seen nothing that pleases us so well as the
Twelve Stars of the Republic. "-Sunday Times.
" This elegantly bound volume, it will be seen, is a work of great
value, and in its present beautiful dress, will form a very appropriate
present for a citizen, young or old." —Observer.
" This, of all other works issued, is peculiarly adapted for a gift-book
to American ladies."-Globe.
" It is not to afford amusement for a short time, but instruction for all
time to the rising generation. It is a beautifully illustrated text-book.
It will be read fifty years hence with as much interest as now. It is got
up in the most superb style, inside and out. Art has wonderfully
improved in the way of ornamental binding, and this bound book is a
good, fair, and full specimen. The designs upon the cover are most
chastely and beautifully classical-most ornate."-Sunday Morning
News.
III.
LIVES  OF THE  PRESIDENTS.
In one large volume octavo, beautifully printed, and illustrated by twelve
portraits, engraved on steel, and bound in muslin, extra gilt, and sheep
binding.
THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES,
THEIR MEMOIRS AND ADMINISTRATIONS.
Including an account of the Inauguration of each President, and a history of the political events of his administration, and the transactions
of Congress at each session: to which is added, the Declaration of
Independence; Articles of Confederation; Constitution of the United
States, with notes and decisions; a brief history of the events and
circumstances which led to the union of the States, and formation of
the Constitution; a synopsis of the Constitutions of the several States;
tables of members of the Cabinets, ministers to foreign countries, and a
list of members of Congress from 1789 to 1849; statistical tables of
revenue, commerce, and population; chronological table of historical
events in the United States, etc. By EDWIN WILLIAMS.
" It should be the study of each young man to make himself familiar
with his country's history, and the present volume is eminently calculated
to promote that object."-Georgetown Advocate.
" This highly attractive and useful volume forms not only an elegant
picture gallery of our Presidents, it also may be regarded an admirable
cabinet history of the political progress of our country. It is a text-book
for all who would become familiar with the great leading measures which
have emanated from the executive government from time to time, including its foreign and domestic policy."-Sun.
" This is an exceedingly valuable addition to political history as it
concerns this republic, and should be in every public library, or within
the reach of every American. It comprises the annals of each Adminis



E. Walker's National and Standard Works.          55
tration from Washington to Taylor, with a succinct account of the
prominent events which have marked the condition of parties throughout
the country in the intervals."-New Orleans Picayune.
" Mr. Williams has rendered an important service to the country by
the publication of this admirable volume, a copy of which should be
placed in every public and private library throughout the Union."-Home
Journal.
" It is a most useful compendium of historical facts in a convenient
form for reference."-Literary World.
" This work contains a biographical sketch of each of the Presidents,
with their respective administrations, and a variety of valuable historical
and statistical documents; and will be found highly interesting to the
general reader no less than the politician."-Tribune.
"' A large, handsome octavo volume. We have here a condensed
sketch of the life and administration of each of the twelve Presidents
who have been placed at the head of this Republic, since its admission
into the community of nations. A variety of important historical and
statistical documents are appended, and are here in their proper place.
The dozen portraits on steel are really gems in their way.  They
deserve that the engraver, V. Balch, should have his full meed of merit."
-Albion.
" The biographies and histories are written with ability and candor,
the statistical and documentary portions are compiled with judgment,
and the likenesses are well done and truthful. The amount and kind of
matter here embodied, cannot fail to make the book highly acceptable to
the public, both as a history and a book of reference."-Jour. of Corn.
IV.
THE ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
In one elegantly printed volume octavo, embellished by seventy-eight
illustrations, and bound in muslin, extra gilt, and sheep binding.
SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SIX;
OR THE
WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.
A history of the Anglo-Americans, from the period of the union of the
Colonies against the French to the inauguration of Washington, the
first President of the United States. By B. J. LOSSING.
" This book appeals to our whole nation. It is a well written and
beautifully illustrated history. The style is felicitous, the spirit eminently
patriotic. The volume is a faithful chronicle of our Revolutionary
period, and will gain for its author high reputation as a historian."Literary American.
"The book is elegantly printed, and bound, and the engravings
(seventy-eight in number) form in themselves a rare historical gallery of
great interest and variety, displaying the originality and taste of the
author-artist in this department. As a whole, we have no hesitation in
commending this volume as the best popular history of our revolution
yet published."-New York Express.
" This is a very elegant book, beautifully illustrated with a great number of engravings, and the typography and binding are absolutely fault



56         E. Walker's National and Standard Works.
less. It contains a great amount and variety of information relating to
the Revolutionary period of American history, and is a work which will,
doubtless, command a very extensive sale."-Evening lMtirror.
"With regard to the tone and spirit of the volume, the felicity of
the style of narrative and reflections, and the great care taken to insure
accuracy, as is shown by the author's frequent reference to the best
authorities, I am confident that he is entitled to the reputation of a competent and faithful historian."-Edwin Williams.  ~        r:
" This is a great national work, the beauties and excellences of which
should be studied by every one who would understand the history of
human freedom and the inalienable rights of man."-Albany Spectator.
" We have heretofore noticed this admirable book in terms of the
highest praise. It is a work that should be in every family."-Godey's
Lady's Book.
V.
M. D E TOC QU EVI LL E'S  GR EAT  WORK.
In one large volume octavo, handsomely printed on fine paper, and
bound in muslin, gilt, or in sheep binding.
THE REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
And its Political Institutions revised and examined. By ALEXIs DE
TOCQUEVILLE: Member of the College of France, &c. Translated by
HENRY REEVE, Esq. With an original preface and notes, by Hon. J.
C. SPENCER. Also an abridgment of the above work, for the use of
Schools. 12mo., sheep binding.
{" M. De Tocqueville shows himself to be an original thinker, an acute
observer, and an eloquent writer. We regard his work,' Democracy in
America,' as by far the most philosophical, ingenious, and instructive
which has been produced in Europe on the subject of America. There is
no eulogy in it, no detraction, but throughout a manly love of truth.
The observations of the author uniformly discover a high degree of
acuteness and discrimination. This valuable work cannot be read either
in Europe or America without working new and profitable trains of
thought." —North Amnericasn Review.
1" M. De Tocqueville's able volumes have conferred upon him tne
highest rank as a political writer; his practical observations have been
tested by the most competent judges,-the Americans and the English
and his speculative inquiries have been applauded and cited by the first
statesmen of the age, whilst they have taken their place amongst the
most valuable results of modern political science. But the language of
panegyric is not required to draw attention to this book, or to enhance
its value; we only trust that it may be as generally and profitably studied
as it has been wisely and conscientiously written." —British and For.
Quarterly Review.
VI.
TEXT-BOOK  ON  R  OMAN ISM.
In one handsome octavo volume, embellished with fifty-two engravings,
and bound in muslin, extra gilt, or in sheep binding.




E. Walker's National and Standard Works.             57
THE HISTORY OF ROMANISM,
From the earliest corruptions of Christianity to the present time.  With a
full chronological table, analytical and alphabetical indexes, and a
glossary. A new edition. With a supplement, comprising historical
sketches of the late Pope Gregory XVI. and of Pius IX. By JOHN
DOWLING, D.D.
The best evidence of the intrinsic value of this remarkably popular
work is to be seen in the fact that within the comparatively recent period
of its first publication, the extraordinary number of 17,000 copies have
been disposed of
The following is an extract from a letter from the Rev. Dr. Giustiniani, the converted Roman Catholic priest, who is abundantly qualified
by education, observation, and extensive study, to testify to the fidelity
and value of a " History of Romanism."
"If the reader wishes to be acquainted with the errors of Romanism,
he has only to open the pages of Dowling's History. If the reader is
anxious to read an epitome of the history of the Popes; their ambition;
their intrigues; their avariciousness; their tyranny; their superstitions,
and their mummeries, he can here find all provecd and authenticated
by the most accredited authors of the Church of Rome."
L. GIUSTINIANI,
"It reflects much credit on the skill, patience, industry, and judgment
of the author; he appears very justly to have conceived the idea of a
work which has long been regarded as a desideratum by a large portion
of those interested in the great controversy with the Romanists."Protestant Churchman.
" We think it an able work, comprising the results of extensive reading and research, and well adapted to fill an important chasm  in our
literature."-Lutheran Observer.
"We regard it as a most important addition to the historical and
religious literature of the age. Its contents form a rich storehouse of
historical instruction, which should be placed within the reach of every
family."-N. Y. Christian Intelligencer.
The detached portions of Romish history which were everywhere to
be met with, needed to be brought together and presented in systematic
order. The reading of one book thus becomes better and cheaper than
the reading of many."-Boston Recorder.
(It it written with the ready, popular eloquence, for which the well
known author is distinguished, and cannot fail to arrest attention to the
controversy of which it treats.  It is a strongly Protestant work, and
exhibits the deformities of Popery with great power."-N. Y. Recorder.
" The author appears to have brought to the execution of this great
work, unwearied industry, genuine and thorough scholarship, and scrupulous fidelity.                                 RUFUS BABCOCK,
Late President of the Waterville College."
"I have carefully read' Dowling's History of Romanism,' and can
cheerfully recommend it to my fellow Protestants, as an instructive and
faithful exhibition of Popery, from its origin down to the present time.
It is a book that should be in the hands of every one desirous of obtaining a perfect knowledge of the great Apostasy.
REv. J. WILSON."




58         B. Walker's National and Standard Works.
VII.
MRS. ELLIS'S POPULAR WORKS FOR THE DOMESTIC CIRCLE.
In one volume octavo, with illustrations on steel, bound in muslin, gilt.
THE FAMILY MONITOR,
Comprising the " Women, Mothers, Daughters, and Wives of England."
By MRS. ELLIS.
VIII.
In one volume, with illustrations on steel, bound in muslin, gilt.
GUIDE TO SOCIAL HAPPINESS,
By MRS. ELLIS.
Containing the " Poetry of Life," "Pictures of Private Life," &c.
IX.
A neat little volume of 216 pages, muslin, gilt.
THE BROTHER AND SISTER,
WITH OTHER TALES FOR YOUTH.
By MRS. ELLIS.
Mrs. Ellis is so well known as an authoress who successfully combines
pure lessons of morality and manners with the amusement and interest of
fictional narrative, that few other writings are better adapted for that
popular form of publication which is insured by cheap, yet well printed
and prettily illustrated parts." —Colburn's New Monthly Magazine.
" There is some charming writing in these books; much good sense;
and a few admirable female portraits, that will at once command the
interest of the reader."-Atlas.
"The style is unassuming, graceful, and fluent."-Dispatch.
"The useful and moral purport of this talented lady's writings is extensively known and appreciated."-Morning Advertiser.
" There is a solidity about Mrs. Ellis's writings which compels more
than attention."-Lady's Newspaper.
" We have perused this honest and searching work with much satisfaction, and can confidently recommend it to every mother, who wishes her
daughters to become really useful members of society; and to every
young female who has the wisdom to prefer esteem to admiration."Christian Advertiser.
"We do not hesitate to pronounce this one of the best as well as one
of the most useful of popular works. Whatever Mrs. Ellis attempts is
accomplished in a clear, vigorous, and masterly manner-grappling her
subject with a strength and grasp of mind truly astonishing to all, more
especially to those who argue that depth of thought and wisdom are the
attributes of the sterner sex only."- Washingtonian.
" This, we believe, was Mrs. Ellis's first work, and in some respects it
is her best. It is a simple, truthful delineation of the joys and sorrows,
temptations, duties, and blessings of private domestic life, for the purpose
of imparting useful instruction and sound advice. The fiction is wrought
with great interest and power, but is always subordinate to a high moral
design, and is only assumed as a pleasing medium for' the utterance df




E. Walker's National and Standard Works.           59
truths which would lose much of their impressiveness if proclaimed in a
didactic form. There are few writers to whom a more cordial commendation can be given by those who regard the interests of morality and
religion, as well as the attraction of style and beauty of sentiment, than
Mrs. Ellis." —Evangelist.
X.
INSTRUCTIVE  READI NG  FOR  YOUTH.
In one large octavo volume, with nearly three hundred engravings, and
bound in muslin, gilt, or in sheep binding.
THE GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE;
OR, REPERTORY OF FACTS;
Forming a complete library of entertaining information in the several
departments of science, literature, and art.
The literary contents of this excellent volume consist of choice selections from the renowned publications of the London i" Society for the
Diffusion of Useful Knowledge," and comprehend valuable and attractive
articles by eminent writers in the several departments of literature, including history, biography, natural history, rnoral and physical science, fine
arts, manufactures, essays, poetry, &c. This popular work presents a
more varied, comprehensive, and valuable digest of general knowledge
than is to be met with in any single book yet issued from the press. As
a proof of its undoubted value, it may be stated that upwards of 20,000
copies have already been sold, while the sales are constantly increasing.
It is a work especially adapted for the domestic circle, combining a
pleasing variety of subjects, both amusing and instructive, and peculiarly
suited for the perusal of youth.
XI.
THE WONDERS OF NATURE AND ART.
A handsome octavo volume, with about two hundred and fifty engravings, and bound in muslin, gilt.
THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD,
IN NATURE, ART, AND MIND;
Comprising a complete library of useful and entertaining knowledge.
The "W'Sonders of the World" are both more numerous and more
various than many may be inclined to suppose; and it has been the
design of the editor to embody all the most remarkable facts in natural
history, physical geography, curious customs, eccentric biography, &c.
If the great variety in the subjects treated of in any work be considered
its recommendation, the present production will not fail of proving universally acceptable; for it is an attempt to combine in an attractive and
portable form, a most extended range of topics of information and
amusement. The subjects referred to in the volume comprise among
many others, the following:-Atmospheric phenomena, remarkable facts
in astronomical science, the most remarkable earthquakes in various parts
of the world, caverns, caves, and grottoes, volcanoes, cararacts, eccen



60         E. Walker's Nfational and Standard Works.
tricities and anomalies in men and animals, curiosities of the vegetable
kingdom, celebrated localities, cities, ruins, &c., ancient and modern,
curious customs, manners, and costumes, the Druids, &c.
XII.
In one octavo volume, with thirty engravings, bound in muslin, gilt.
CHRISTIAN MARTYROLOGY,
ILLUSTRATED.
Being an authentic account of the principal persecutions against the
Christian Church in different parts of the world, &c. Compiled from
the best sources.
XIII.
In one volume, 18mo., muslin.
THE FATE OF INFIDELITY;
Or the Dealings of Divine Providence with Infidels, &c. By a converted
Infidel.
This book contains sketches of the lives of deists, and exhibits the
dealings of Divine Providence with infidels and opposers of Christianity
in early and modern times. It is a book suited for Sabbath Schools and
private perusal. A liberal discount will be made to Christian Ministers,
Teachers, and others, who may be disposed to aid in the dissemination
of this valuable little volume.
XIV.
POPULAR  WORKS  ON  ODD-FELLOWS H IP.
In three volumes duodecimo, with engravings on wood, and bound in
muslin, gilt.
THE ODD-FELLOW'S LIBRARY;
Comprising " Faith, Hope, and Charity," " Friendship, Love, and Truth,"
and the " Juvenile Odd:Fellow."  Chiefly contributed by Members of
the Order.
" This beautiful series comprises a mass of entertaining and instructive
reading, elucidatory of the principles of Odd-Fellowship. It is especially
adapted to the families of Odd-Fellows."
"Three uniform volumes, of convenient size, containing articles in
prose and verse, illustrative of the principles of Odd-Fellowship, contributed chiefly by members of the Order. The design of these volumes is
extremely praiseworthy, being not only to familiarize the rising generation with those glorious principles now exerting and still to exert so
great and good an influence over the world, but also to connect the intelligence and literary progress of the Order, with its progress as an Institution. Every Odd-Fellow, at least, should possess himself of copies.
They are beautifully illustrated by Lossing."-Ladies' Book.




E. Walker's National and Standard Works.           61
xv.
SPLE N DID  GIFT- BOOK  FOR  O D D  - F EL LOWS.
In octavo, beautifully printed on the finest paper, embellished by ten
exquisitely engraved illustrations on steel, and a Presentation plate
printed in gold and colors, and bound in rich emblematic style. Also,
the volumes of the work for 1848, 1849, and 1850, uniform with the
above.
THE ODD-FELLOWS' OFFERING,
FOR 1851.
Embellished with elegant engravings, and an illuminated Presentation
plate in gold and colors. Contributed chiefly by members of the Order.
"This choice gift-book for 1850, which forms the eighth volume of
the series, contains about fifty articles, contributed chiefly by members
and friends of the Order, all of the highest moral and intellectual tone.
It is beautifully illustrated with eleven elegant engravings, executed in
the highest style of the art. The presentation plate is a splendid specimen of illuminated lithographic printing, in thirteen colors." —Home
Journal.
This valuable annual holds a rank not surpassed, if indeed it is
equalled, by any similar work in the United States, in the variety and
talent exhibited in the letter-press, the elegance of its embellishments, to
say nothing of the exquisite taste of the mechanical execution of the
book, in all its parts. This annual is emphatically " of our Order," and
we hazard nothing in saying that no brother will find aught that will
conflict with our motto of Friendship, Love, and Truth; but on the
other hand, a vast fund from which to draw the means of convincing
others of the great value of our institutions. It is a work which is an
honor to the literature of the Order, to American literature, to the mechanical arts connected with book-making, and worthy of the most
liberal patronage, which we cordially bespeak at the hands of brothers."
-Gazette of the Union.
"We have seen but few of the annuals of the season, and this we
think the best we have seen. We commend it not only to the large and
respectable body for whom it is especially intended, and from whom its
contributions chiefly come, but to others.  The subjects are neither
sentimental nor trivial; and this remark, strange as it may appear,
applies as well to the engravings as the literature of the book." —American Review.
" We may safely predict that it will be extensively' ordered' by' Odd-Fellows' in ail parts of the United States. In fact, we should consider him a very odd fellow indeed, who would hesitate to bestow on his
wife or sweetheart so beautiful and appropriate a holiday gift." —Mirror.
" The articles in this volume are from the first writers of the country,
and the dress in which they appear cannot fail to give general satisfaction, and make this annual the great gift of the season. The engravings
are well executed, and taken from the designs of the first artists."Metropolis.
" Though its contents are of most interest to Odd-Fellows, they are
still eminently readable and attractive for all classes of the community.




62         B. Walker's National and Standard Works.
Many of them are from the pens of some of the most distinguished writers.
The volume is very elegantly published, and contains a large number of
excellent engravings."-N. Y. Courier and Inquirer.
" This annual forms an excellent volume this year.  It has an illuminated presentation plate, and ten very good engravings, the subjects of
which, however, are not new. Each of them is illustrated by an original
paper. The reading matter of this annual is generally good, but is this
year even better than usual. Among the contributors of known reputation are Mrs. E. O. Smith, Mrs. Osgood, Rev. A. B. Chapin, Mrs.
Sigourney, Mrs. Kirkland, and others.  The benevolent, moral tone
which should distinguish a volume designed to circulate among the
Order, is well preserved in all the articles.  The' Offering' is well
printed, on good paper, and is a volume worthy of its object."-Commercial Advertiser.
" It is one of the most elegant annuals of the season; its contents are
varied and deeply interesting."-Globe.
"This is truly a magnificent annual."-Olive Branch.
"The Odd-Fellows' Offering for 1850 is a very beautiful annual, containing several very handsome engravings, with abundant reading matter
of the very choicest kind. This work is justly deserving encouragement,
and should be in the hands of every one desirous of having a book both
beautiful and useful."-Pbilad. Messenger.
" We most cordially recommend it, not only to brethren of the Order,
but to the public generally."-Philad Sun.
"This is one of the handsomest, best got up, printed, and bound
annuals for the coming season of festivities, and will be taken extensively
by the members of the order, and by others. It numbers about a dozen
engravings, some of which are eminently beautiful, and two or three of
which only seem to have been rather hurried. The contents, all original,
show what choice spirits there are in this most benevolent Order.
There is in it the very embodiment of talent, charity, and goodness. The
book cannot fail of having a large circulation."-N. Y. Atlas.
" A most beautiful gift-book, one of the handsomest issued from the
American press. It contains literary articles, all original, and chiefly
from the pens of members of the brotherhood, for whom it is specially
designed. The external appearance is really faultless, being a superb
specimen of binding, executed by the publisher. Although this work is
dedicated to Odd-Fellows, its contents are of a character which renders it
a most acceptable gift-book for all classes."- Young People's Mirror.
" Taken as a whole, the work is creditable alike to editors and contributors, publishers, and artists, and we may safely recommend it as an
appropriate presentation book, as well for the public at large as for members of the Order."-N. Y. Com. Ado.




E. Walker's National and Standard Works.          63
XVI.
THE BEST BOOK FOR FARMERS.
THE
FARMER'S AGRICULTURAL TREASURY,
AND
GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE;
Expressly intended to instruct the American farmer how to raise the
best crops and the healthiest cattle with the least labor.  By the
author of the " Book of the Farm," assisted by Professor NORTON, of
Yale College, New Haven.
It will embrace every subject of importance connected with Agriculture
in all its various branches, both Theoretical and Practical. Science,
in as far as it has, up to the present time, been made available to
Practice by Experiment, will be treated in its relation to every operation as it occurs in the course of the seasons. The work will be
arranged under four distinct heads, representing the seasons, beginning
with Winter and ending with Autumn. The following are among
the subjects to be treated under the first head, including the Introductory, viz.
INITIATION.
On the best of the existing Methods for acquiring a thorough knowledge of Practical Husbandry; the Difficulties to be encountered in
learning practical husbandry, and on the Means of overcoming them:
the different kinds of farming: the persons required to conduct and
execute the labor of the farm: the branches of science most applicable
to Agriculture: the Institutions of Education best suited to Agricultural
students: the evils attending the neglect of Landowners and others to
learn practical Agriculture: on observing the details and recording the
facts of farming by the Agricultural Student.
PRACTICE-WINTER.
On the treatment of Farm-horses in Winter: the treatment of the Farmer's saddle and harness horse in Winter: the fattening of swine: the
treatment of fowls: the rationale of the feeding of animals: on the accommodation of the grain crops in the steading: threshing and winnowing
of grain: on the forming of dunghills and composts in winter: on the
construction of liquid-manure tanks and carts: sea-weed as manure: on
gaulting or claying the soil.
The Work will also embrace many important operations not included
in the ordinary routine of farming, such as " Judging of Land," " Stocking of a Farm," " Improvement of the Soil," &c., &c.
The contributions by Prof. Norton will add greatly to the value of the
Book, by adapting it to the Soil, Climate, Growth, &c., of our own
country. And the united labors of two such distinguished men will
make this work one of the most complete and valuable to the American
Farmer ever issued from the Press.
The work will be comprised in about 22 Nos. of 64 pages each. It
will contain some 18 or 20 engravings on steel, and more than 600 wood




,64        E  Walker's National and Standard Works.
engravings, in the highest style of the art. It will be handsomely printed
on fine paper, and sold at 25 cts. a number, or $5 in advance for the
twenty-two numbers. The numbers can be sent by mail at periodical
postage.
The subscribers having made arrangements with the publishers of the
above work, Messrs. Leonard Scott & Co., to furnish the same to their
agents and the public generally, will be happy to receive orders. The
first number will be speedily issued, and the publication will be continued
at intervals as rapidly as may be consistent with the proper execution of
the work.
E. WALKER & SONS,
114 Fulton Street, New York.
NOTICES.
Professor Norton says, in reference to that portion of the work already
written by Mr. Stephens, that " the clear and copious details, the fulness
and accuracy of information, the completeness of every illustration, have,
in an Agricultural work for practice, never been equalled. * * * *
No farmer, who thirsts for knowledge himself, or who aspires to have
his son rise to the true' post of honor,'-the dignified station of an intellectual and accomplished agriculturist, can justifiably deny himself such a
work."
Blackwood's Edinburgh IMagazine says, " Those who, like ourselves,
take an interest in the diffusion of improved agriculture-scientific and
practical-and especially of our own agricultural literature in other countries-will be pleased to learn that the editing of an American reprint
has been undertaken by Professor Norton, of Yale College, so well
known and esteemed in Scotland, where he obtained the Highland Society's ~50 prize for a chemical examination of our native oat, which
was published in their Transactions. He is a worthy representative of
the' country of steady habits' to which he belongs; and we hope his
countrymen will be discriminating enough to appreciate his own character and scientific labors, as well as the value of the book he undertakes
to bring before them."
AUG 9 1918