<
https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-art-of-book-covers-1820-1914>
"Inspired by rising literacy rates and advancing technologies, the
nineteenth century saw the book transform from a largely hand-made
object to a mass-produced product. In this new environment the book
cover took on added importance: it was no longer merely a functional
protection for the pages but instead became a key platform through which
to communicate and sell the book. Prior to this covers had — bar a
smattering of highly bespoke one-off creations (e.g. embroidered covers
for personal libraries) — mostly been plain leather bound affairs. From
the 1820s, with the rise of mechanical bookbinding, these leather covers
of old gave way to new cloth coverings which, in addition to being
inexpensive, were now also printable. A wide variety of cover printing
techniques were employed over the decades: from embossing to gilt to
multi-colour lithography. A totally new artistic space was opened up."
Via
mudhooks@pluspora.com.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://www.xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
http://www.glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
http://www.sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
