Beschreibung:

BIERSTADT, O.A. The Library of Robert Hoe. A Contribution to the History of Bibliophilism in America.
New York: Duprat & Co., 1895. 8vo. Large paper copy, printed on vellum. Deep green morocco by the Grolier Club Bindery, stamp-signed in gilt “Club Bindery 1898” on the turn-in and further stamp-signed by the finisher by Maillard as “Leon Maillard Finisher,” both covers with double gilt rule, foliate and vine border to initials “RH” in middle of outside and inner edge, foliate motif repeated after another double gilt rule, corners of center panels with rosettes within wheels surrounded by heavy foliate, central gilt lozenges on covers; gilt-ruled and decorated spine in six panels with raised bands; top edge gilt; red morocco and gilt doublures; in original half morocco and marbled boards limp chemise, slipcase. Condition: Fine and unworn; minor wear to slipcase and chemise. Provenance: Robert Hoe (small morocco bookplate). robert hoe’s own copy of the scarce limited edition survey of his famous library, sumptuously bound by the bindery he helped create. Number 100 of 350 copies. A wonderful association and a wonderful copy. From the Princeton University website on their collection of American hand-bindings: “In the 1890s, members of the Grolier Club in New York, lamenting the dearth of fine binding in America, established the Club Bindery in an attempt to make available luxury bookbindings that could rival those of Europe. Several European-trained binders were brought to New York to begin work in 1895. In 1897, Grolier Club member Robert Hoe was instrumental in bringing Leon Maillard to the bindery from France. The temperamental Maillard turned his exceptional finishing skills to the production of wonderful and expensive bindings for Hoe and other collectors. The Club Bindery was dissolved in 1909. Briefly reincarnated as the Rowfant Bindery in Cleveland, it closed again owing to financial difficulties. Maillard was reduced to selling carpet sweepers, and in 1921 he committed suicide.