UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES The 6x LibratK Volume I, Dumber i* R. Hlfred fowler Kansas City, JMissourf , a 8* H, Copyright 1912, by B. Hlfred f owlet*. & Of a limited edition of four hundred copies of Che 6x Libran this copy is number ifnip bryte sunlit Hille-tops wnereo dainse ye rays ^[effeCB6R the book-plate shall be a worh of art or, as is occasionally the case, merely an attempt at exploiting family history, depends largely upon S328S;S^ the individual owner & "Cbcrc appears to be a need for greater simplicity in design as a better expression of our ideals: we have certainly outgrown the ornate rococo; the escutcheon and crest of mediaeval times bear no relation to our present day existence, nor does it seem appropriate to be- queath to posterity a commemoration of all of our fads and fancies. so it would seem that the best designs are those expressing, symbolically, some particular taste of the owner with the best possible decor- ation simplicity j& form and colour-mass may express quite as much as intricacy of line; even more at times by bringing into play our own powers of suggestion /& Che copper plate engravings with their great possibilities for del- icate miniature are highly prized - and with reason - but the more impressionistic qualities of the other processes, zinc et- ching and wood-block, requiring a broad and simple treatment of the given motif, have also their particular beauties and fas- cinations* Mary 6. Curran. is 6x Libran /? N occasional magazine devoted to booft-plates, bib- liophilism, and art; edited and published by f). Hlfred fowler /& Hddress all business and edit- orial communications to the editor, 3 Cast Hrm- our Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, d. S. H., j& Sub- scription: $2.00 per volume of four numbers; single copies will not be circulated separately fi Literary contributions will be gladly considered for publication. of a Dream, best describes Che Gx Libran, the initial number of which is present- ed herewith, and in semblance of all realizations of dreams it is far from the fanciful ideal; but, being an expression of an effort to better something - to make that "something" more beautiful & desirable, it is sincerely hoped that the effort may prove acceptable and interesting to every one concerned fi It has frequently been suggested that The 6x Libran' a scope be widened to include subjects closely allied with boott-plates & so we say that The 6x Libran is "devot- ed to booh-plates, bibliophilism, and art" - subjects in which everyone interested in booh -plates will take an interest & one which should tend to increase whatever usefulness the public- ation may have. OR sometime collectors specializing in the book- plates by 6dwin Davis f rcnch have felt a need for some sort of a list of designs & plates of his work- manship that have recently come to light and with a view to supplying this need we are pleased to be able to pres- ent such a list in this number /? Since the composition of the list, attention has been called to another point which might prove of some use to collectors O WQ8ION has often arisen with regard to tbc two Biltmoris plates, sufficiently listed in former records as far as general design is concerned but be- ing so similar as not to easily permit of their being distinguishable except by comparison of size <& for this pur- pose of comparison the sizes of the two plates are here record- ed: the smaller plate, i. c., the actual design upon the plate, measures exactly 2 inches in width and 2 & 15-32 inches in height, whereas the larger design is 2 & 19-32 inches in width and exactly 3 inches in height /& So that the collector poss- essing but one of the plates may easily determine whether he needs the larger or the smaller plate* HM6O Book-Stamps (Longmans, Green, & Co.,) is the title of an interesting addition to the liter- ature of books, by Cyril Davenport of the British Museum ^ Che author treats his subject exhaust- ively, taking full advantage of his connection with the Museum collections for examples j& "Che work is composed of a fore- word explaining the use of cameo book-stamps and the bulk of the volume is devoted to minute descriptions of various stamps, each being illustrated with a drawing executed by Mr. Davenport after the original OOTIC Book-plates is also a late addition to our literature of book-plates, being "--certain passages from 'Che Nature of Gothic* by lohn Ruskin, & certain book-plates ( vii originals) by Bertha Gorst, H. R. G." j& Che brochure is uniform in paper and style of type with Che Gx Libran but is large 4to., in size fi Ht the last moment the size of Che Gx Libran has been reduced from the page size as originally set forth in the initial prospectus; trial pages & numbers showing an imperative necessity for the alteration fi Che editor will, however, be pleased to make proper adjustment with subscribers displeased with the change. 1* 15 <* Che Book-plate of Isaac Runt 8HHC BONC Of PBILHD6LPBIH, as be styles himself on his book-plate was nevertheless an exotic, a native of Barbadoes; "H true exotic", bis son calls him <& Decked out in a fine suit of laced clothes, "like one of Bogartb's little gentlemen" (to again quote bis son) be was sent to Philadelphia to school, and there took his degree of Master of Hrts at the College; after which be set up as a lawyer and wrote tory pamphlets /& Be married the dau- ghter of Stephen Sbewell, whose sister bad married Benjamin ftlest, the painter. OR bis obnoxious political opinions and publicat- ions, M*. Bunt was treated by the revolutionary populace to a free ride in a cart through the streets of the city, to the cheerless music of a fife & drum, and through a display of good-nature under trying circumstan- ces escaped the additional attention of tar and feathers prior to lodgement in the gaol fi friendly influence unbarred the prison doors by stealth, and Mr. Bunt made bis escape to a vessel belonging to father-in-law Shewell then lying in the Del- aware, bound for the {Rest Indies, whence the fugitive made his way to 6ngland, where bis wife finally joined him to find that be bad forsaken the bar for the pulpit. BHCK6RHt might have found bis Charles Bon- eyman ready drawn to his band, in reading the sketch of the father's life written by the tatter's more celebrated son, the poet and essayist, - Leigh Bunt. frank 6* Marshall. OliUiani Strickland, Hrcbiteft modest label reproduced herewith recalls one of the foremost architects of his time and the first native Hmerican to attain eminence in that profess- ion (& Some specimens of his art may yet be seen in his native city, and are a pleasing relief to the eye that has become accustomed to the modern sky-scraper fi Hhc custom house in Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, recalls to the classicist its model, the Parthenon at Hthens, with its chaste and dig- nified lines. of history will be reminded that the building was crofted in 1 824 for the Bank of the United States, and conjure up visions of Hndrew Jackson and Nicholas Biddle / Other landmarks of the Quaker City that are monuments to the designer are the old Merchants exchange, now used as the Stock exchange; the episcopal Church of Saint Stephen; and the JVaval Hsylum. ORJH in 1787, Strickland studied under the disting- uished Benjamin F>. Latrobe, the first engineer and architect of prominence in the United States; but before beginning the career that brought him last- ing fame, essayed as a painter and engraver in aquatint, in which latter art a specimen of his work may be seen in his book-plate j& * Hlfred fowler, 3 Gaat Hrmour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, U. 8. H, ,*? Catalogue of 2000 Booh-plates /? ,*? post-free to any part of the Cttorld fi /& H Dollar packet of 20 Book-plates: cbippendale, wreath & ribbon, pictorial, library interior, armorial, other varieties all genuine specimens, mailed free on receipt of money order. fi H five Dollar packet of i oo superior plates including most of the different styles would form tbe nucleus of a collection* fi Cbe advertiser holds tbe entire remaining stock of "Cbc journal of "Che 6x-Libris Society and can supply a complete set, 18 years, for $35 fi Single years may be bad at from $1 per year fi Odd numbers & title pages for completing sets can also be supplied at reduced rates fi Book-plates of any particular family Name will be sent on approval. Gdmund Lister, 104 Manchester Street, Oldham, 6ngland. Book-plates for Sale ^ JSow ready - Hn interesting catalogue of Old & Rare Hrm- orial Book-plates which will be sent post-free to 6x Libran subscribers fi Cbis catalogue is illustrated with 85 repro- ductions of the various styles made use of to decorate the "ex libris" of the i8th & i9tb centuries; and it will be found of use to those interested in genealogy as well as the book-plate collector. j& C* H, JYIasscy 1 36, Upper Culse Rill, London, S Ctt., Gngland. /& In preparation - H priced list of an almost complete series of the book-plates engraved by C 6 influence remains; not in a form where it may be found by the few seeking but rather to be found in semblance where it may seek to do good* Unlike, for instance, a masterpiece of painting, the prints from an engraved plate are each as beautiful as their fellows: in all of them the pristine beauty of the original work is shown. H copy of a painting may be practically perfect - mechanically- but if the copyist possess not genius as great, or greater, than that of the old master be cannot hope to attain its essential beauty. O>c blessing bestowed by its beauty must be sought after with much labour whereas many may bash in the radiance of the prints of an engraved masterpiece. NO so the engraver's blessings, as given by the beauty of his work, are conferred upon the mul- titude. Hnd so will 8berborn's art go down thro- ugh time blessing the many with its beauty, re- laying to future generations the beauties and blessings of the old German masters of Durer's school (by whom he was greatly influenced), and furnishing to those generations inspiration for the furtherance of an art so capable of good and so worthy of emulation. "Duce natura scquor." Hn Hfternoon with JVIr. Sberborm JVC day bet lunc I boarded a bus in the Strand and, after a seemingly interminable vide, reached South Kensington, stepping off at fin borough Road soon to be at the door of number One. H moment later , having added to my eard the magic words, "Book-plate Collector", X was welcomed to his home by Mr. Sbcrbom, with the greatest cordiality, for a time we talked of everyday matters and of the approaching Coronation, which was then absorbing every englishman's interest, Mr. Sberborn tatting pride in saying that the coming one was to be the third that he had seen in Gngland surely a good boast of longevity. Chen the conversation drifted to the ever-interesting subject of book-plates and X was invited to visit the Studio* R. Sherbom went up to his studio while X wait- ed below with Mrs. Sbcrbow for there were four flights of stairs to climb and when one is over eighty years of age, as Mr. Sherborn was at that time, stairs must be taken slowly. X had spoken to Mr. Sher- born of a plate he was then at work upon for my friend, Mr. fowler, and when X entered the studio there sat the good gentleman at his table, scratching away at a copper plate, just as he has been so often pictured. ftlben X entered the room he turned, looking over his glasses, and said, smiling, "^ou can tell Mr. fowler that you actually saw me at worh upon his plate, anyway." OCIRS might have been spent in examining the studio alone; a large room well lighted by three great windows and filled with tables & old-fash- ioned furniture, all heaped high with books, mag- azines, portfolios of prints, engravings, and all of the other odds and ends which an artist invariably gathers about him Che walls were covered with pictures and engravings, framed proofs of book-plates, the work of Mr* Sherbom and many another engraver well-known in the Book-plate tJQorld. Other frames contained rare old German & 6nglisb plates t those that are often found in the dealers' catalogues with prohibitive prices attached, which alone would make a collection that would be the envy of most collectors. 6 looked through the good gentleman's own collection; one portfolio after another filled with his engravings, all carefully arranged & indexed, showing all examples from the great franks down to the tiny Orrock, each one beautifully done and showing the hand of the master workman. JNfo small part of the interest in the plates centred in Mr. Sberborn's interesting remarks about each plate, either about the significance of the design or some little anecdote in regard to the owner and the making of the plate. GSIDGS his own work the studio contained a large collection of the old & rare plates of 6ngland and Germany, all of the old masters whom he fol- lowed in his work were well represented and made a magnificent display. Qlitb such inspiring examples to work from and such masters to follow it is no small wonder that Mr. Sbcrborn'o genius followed the older German styles so successfully and so thoroughly attained the "spirit" of them. HCGR we spoke of the world of book-plates, modern tendencies, engravers & designers, and all of the gossip so interesting to the collector. Re had a surprising knowledge of the best engravers of England, Hmerica, and the Continent and knew most of their work almost as well as he did his own. Hnd, of course, he was just as familiar with the old masters, criticising and speaking of Durcr and Hmman as intimately as of 6ve and frencb. But greatly as IK revered the old workers of the craft the modern German and frencb plates & their makers held no place in his pantheon, & he simply classified them as "trash". R. Sbcrborn was a close student of current events as well as of what pertained to his own profession, discussing men and affairs in and out of the Book- plate Olorld with the force and knowledge that comes with years. So we talked until it grew dark and X took my leave, riding back to London with a feeling of pleasure at having been able to spend even a few short hours with one who has stood for so many years at the head of the profession of book-plate making. Qlinward prescott. ffotes upon a Collection of Book-plates by Charles Cdtlltam Bberborn, R. * F>6 list of Mr. Sberbora's book-plate patrons probably embraces more "celebrities" (as collectors are so fond of calling them) than a similar list of the work of any other individual book-plate artist. H mere glance at the imposing array discloses the names of B. R. B. Yiftoria Mary, Queen of 6ngland, B. 8. B. Mary Hdelaide, Duchess of Ccch, prince f rancis of Ceck, Mrs. 6rover Cleveland, a group of plates for the famous Rothschild family, a plate for Sir Hrthur Ticars, at one time Ulster King of Hrms, and, among the authors, Bumpbry & Mary 6 Rothschild plates present a variety of mono- grams, cyphers, and ornamental features one of the most important bearing a view of Cring park. Gbc Vicars are (there are two states of the plate) chiefly heraldic whereas the TOard and Broughton are mostly ornamental. "Che Colvin is best described by its owner, ""Che insets in my book-plate by Sherborn are meant to suggest out- door nature and woman-hood the two things which, to me, have made life best worth living; and, at the same time, my particular 'metier* as Keeper of prints here (at the British Museum). *Cbey are taken, not literally but very freely, one from an etching by Claude Sorain, the other from an anon- ymouQ early Italian print in the Museum, but their real pur- port is the 9>mibolic one merely ." f> 6 Hugustus Qlollaston franks Bequest plate of the Society of Hntiquaries is one that is in good demand among collectors. It bears a central port- rait, within laurel & olive, of the donor, and num- erous other appropriate properties. "Che whole design is a ver- itable personification of dignity, matting it a desirable acquis- ition; as the Society will not exchange with collectors the plate enjoys some rarity, Che plate for the Bibliographical Society is composed of the initials "B S" entwined with olive & with- in a scroll-edged frame, the whole being fixed upon a panel with boohs, ink-well, and a quill. *Cbe Burlington fine Hrts Club plate has been a frequent motive for praise of the artist's work. H scroll of acanthus leaves spreads over a panel and forms the back-ground for portraits of Rembrandt and Lord Hrundel; one taken from the 1 640 portrait in the National Gallery and the other from the portrait by Tandyck; various books, a vase, head of Hpollo, and a motto from "Chucydides form the rem- ainder of the essential design. Che inscription is upon a tablet, or, within a scrolled and beaded frame at the base. ]V6 group of plates comprising the f incham, Gllis, *Cbairlwall, Spokes, and Kohler is of some interest. Mr. f incham describes the group: "Mr. % Roberts Brown found the coppers of some old xviij century initial letters having the large letter and most of the picture. Sherbom added the small lettering and, in my case, the bird (finch) & the ham. This was done for a joke & was the first of these old coppers used, the others following within the next two years as Brown gave the coppers to his friends who got Sberbom to complete them we were then a little coterie of friends." RMO RIHL achievements play an important role in the design of tbe greater number of Sbcrborn's creations although tbe departures therefrom are in- variably as pleasing and skilfully composed, from tbe plain armorial Barnes Roberts Brown and tbe Lord Dunleatb to tbe pretentious and wonderfully intricate & accurate Garl Beaucbamp and tbe Duke of Northumberland group, tbe armor- ial plates all display masterful handling and a thorough know- ledge of that phase of design. Ladies' plates, too, frequently show armorial achievements, one of tbe prettiest of these ex- amples being tbe Gmily, Tiscountess fiamblcdcn, while tbe Gvelyn fiamar Cbetwode, Gmma Chamberlayne, & Lady Hrnie Dick-Lauder plates are also important and well-executed arm- orial designs. If CX-"C81O years before bis demise M* Sberborn executed the Cbandos 3Hren T)oskyns supposed to be his first book-plate another heraldic achieve- ment. "Che plate for R. Hlfred fowler was tbe last one actually finished before his death although several other plates lacked but a few strokes for completion. Mr* Sberborn engraved a few plates for Hmericans; one for tbe Rowf ant Club, Cleveland, was being made at tbe time of bis death & several other designs for Hmericans were being prepared. One of these, for Mr. SQ in ward prescott, has since been executed by Mr. Sidney L. Smith, of Boston. 3QO of tbe most beautiful and most interesting of all of tbe plates are those marking the collections of the Shakespeare's Birth-place Library and tbe Shakespeare Memorial Library at Stratford-upon- Hvon. "Cbey are well-described by M* W. S. Brassington, tbe Librarian and Curator there. ""Che book-plate engraved by Mr* C. 30. Sbcrbora for tbe Memorial Library has, in tbe centre, a portrait of Sdilliam Shakespeare copied from the original oil painting in this gallery, generally accepted as the original of the engraved portrait by Martin Drocahout in the first folio of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623. Hbove are the arms of Shakespeare as granted to the poet's father, 'Gules, on a bend sable a spear of the first, the point steeled proper. Hnd for his crest of cognizance, a faulcon his wings displayed arg- ent standing on a wreath of his coullors supporting a spear gould steeled as aforesaid set upon a healmett with mantelles and tasselles.' Grant 1596* Below are the arms of the corpor- ation of Stratford-upon-Hvonj the wreath around the portrait is the poet's bay, the oak of Warwickshire (forest of Hrden), and the Cudor rose. Che arms on the Birth-place book-plate are those of Shakespeare while the room represents the room in which the poet was bom." NOCfiGR group of plates of much importance comprises the two Mr. Sherbom engraved for his own use and the one he engraved for his son, Mr. Charles Davies Sherbom. Che first of his own plates is dated 1873 and is in the "early German" style so skilfully employed by the artist, while the second, dated 1878, ie rather more elabouratc and is given mostly to allegorical figures representing, as Hllen says, "the passing of the soul from birth to immortality." Che Caroli Davies Sherbom is an intricate library interior and a remarkably brilliant plate. a few of the plates we find Mr. Sbcrborn's own portrait, "ipsc fecit," which should make those plates of more than ordinary interest to their own- ers, now that the chapter of his work has been closed. Such portraits appear upon the f>. H. Rogers, the Charles Bur- ton, which is an alteration of the Rogers plate just mentioned, the Caroli Davies Sherborn, and the B. Hlfred fowler. Che latter also bears a miniature reproduction of the artist's own 1878 book-plate. Che F>. S. Chorne presents an unique feature the accurate reproduction of a wood-cut upon an engraved plate* Hnd, indeed, the effect secured is so deceiving that one must pass the band over the print and feel the roughness of the plate-printing ink to be assured that it is plate work* The scene is from a Bewick wood-cut and depicts a man angling in a shady brook* Hnother design entitled simply "Gwendolen" is a beautiful composition* It consists of a harp as the central motive with two small books and a sheet of music near, the whole within a festoon draped from a ribbon bearing the motto. In this design the panel effect so universally employed is dis- carded, with pleasing variety* JH connection with Jftr. Sbcrborn's book-plates there are many interesting "states" existing* Hn early state of the OKlliam Robinson is more lightly and delicately engraved than the later condition & shows that alterations were also made in the portrait of 6rasmus thereon. Che first state of the lohn dm Ryland is also more lightly engraved and shows a variation in shape of the escutch- eon forming a part of the crest as well as in the charges upon this shield and upon the lion in the crest* "Che later state Thomas Tylston Greg displays the arms per pale instead of quarterly: the Robert Lloyd doollcombe depicts the crescents or and argent instead of or: an early state of the Qlilliam Hnd- rew I'Hnson is without the annulets: and two states of the Baron Hmpthill show different positions of the differencing mullet. The B. H. R(ogers) was altered for C(harles) B(urton) the monogram being the only inscription and, consequently, the only change was made therein. B6 George Beath Tiner was altered to serve for the gentleman's son, George Hrthur Tiner. There are three states of the Hgatba Royds Trevor: the first state bears the simple lettering, "Hgatba," & displays an armorial achievement on a lozenge; in the second state the lettering is altered to read, "Hgatba Royds Trevor" with impaling arms added upon the lozenge; & the third state is as the second but displays the arms charged upon a spade- shaped shield instead of upon the lozenge. Che Rosalind was altered to read, "Benjamin &Hmy 6lhin." Collectors may ex- perience some confusion with reference to the "Sir Chomas Brooke" plates. Che small plate (measuring 25 x 40 mm.) is by Mr. 8herborn whereas only the altered inscription and the addition of the badge of Ulster to the larger plate were by our artist, these alterations being carried out upon Sir Chomas Brooke's being granted a baronetcy. RILe not just within the province of book-plates Mr. Sbcrborn's work other than his book-plates; his miscellaneous engravings and etchings, which possess the same grace, the same dignity, & the same brilliancy for which the ex libris are noted, are well worthy of consideration. Che portrait of Sir francis Seymour Raden is perhaps the most esteemed and cherished of the miscellaneous prints; on account of its being such a fine portrait and because of the fitness of detail. Che whole conception of the design is especially good ; the portrait proper is wonderfully well executed, the handling of the hair and fur collar vividly recalling a sim- ilar feature of Durcr's portrait of bis good friend pirckcym- heri, & the wealth of detail has received especially pains-taking labour. R. Ropson said, in an address given sometime since before the Rowfant Club, "Many an ordinary engraver can outclass Sherbom in the manual cut- ting of the lines necessary to cover a given space, whether for a flat or a graded tint; but lacking the 6od-given grace of artistic feeling, his worh, in the higher sense, availetb naught. Mechanical perfection, pushed too far in the fine arts, spells, at the last, inferiority." Remarks that apply to every 33 work but which seem especially appropriate with reference to bis "miscellaneous" work. XL/CON , as a young man, from tbe miniature by Samuel Cooper, is a simple oval portrait with no ornamentation. "Cbe portraits of Shakespeare and Cromwell are botb brilliant plates, tbe former be- ing a large half-length portrait and tbe latter showing tbe lead- er of tbe famous "psalm-singing Ironsides" vividly portrayed & with achievements of arms and various regalia completing tbe panel. Hn interesting feature of tbe Shakespeare portrait detail is a f ac-simile of tbe poet's autograph I>6 allegorical prints, "Hpollo" and "Venus and Cupid," possess a wealth of detail that could not be consistently used with tbe portraits. H colossal figure of Hpollo stands in the fore-ground; a bow rests in bis band, from which he has just hurtled tbe shaft of Dawn putting Night to flight; a splendid radiance of sun-light spreads over the shy; chant cclcr heralds the new-born light; Night's vassal, tbe raven, balances upon a branch preparatory for flight; and tbe moon, an bouri, is shown, running, in the bach-ground. 'Che whole composition is well conceived as is also tbe Venus and Cupid, although the latter lacks somewhat of tbe detail and significance of tbe Hpollo. f)HC with its achievements of arms, scrolls, & lettering (which is extraordinarily well drawn up- on this plate), the Guildhall Banquet card more nearly resembles an enormous book-plate than an invitation to an important function. Che Shrine of 6dward the Confessor, Westminster Hbbey, is a fine example of JMr. Sber- born's etching, of especial interest to collectors of his book- plates since they will seldom find examples of his handling of this medium among them, Bis work in this medium is, how- ever, quite as attractive as bis engraving. 1*34,* Cbe x Libr an N occasional magazine devoted to boofc-platcs, bib- Uophilism, and art; edited and published by F>. Hlfrcd fowler /$ Hddress all business and edit- orial communications to the editor, 3 Gast Hrm- our Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, d. 8. H., fi Sub- scription: $2.00 per volume of four numbers; single copies wilt not be circulated separately s$ Literary contributions will be gladly considered for publication. N presenting an issue of 'Cbe Gx Libran devoted en- tirely to the late Charles ftlilliam 8 her born we can, at best, do justice to but a small proportion of the importance of his work. The forthcoming volume on Sbcrborn's life and work, which is promised for public- ation in the Huturnn by his son, Charles Davies Sherbom, sho- uld receive a great ovation for, as yet, nothing of real value especially from the collectors point of view has been publish- ed with reference to his work, enthusiastic dissertations have appeared now and again but they have been of little value ex- cept as appreciations* OLL6CCORS of his booft-ptates have long been groping in the darkness, what with their incomp- lete and inaccurate lists & the difficulty of securing authentic information concerning many of the des- igns. These lists were labouriously compiled and then found to be of little practical value; the authentic list which, we under- stand, is to be published with the book will indeed prove a veritable "guiding light." It is to be hoped that the volume will treat of and list the miscellaneous etchings & engravings as well as the book-plates. cn grace" where others might, now and again, be superior in some point of technique. H remark in a letter to tbe editor, criticizing his plate which was tbe last one tbe artist completed, is of interest in showing the quality of his workmanship up to tbe very last of bis fifty-two years of book-plate engraving. "Che writer, Mr. Cheney, says, "Sbcrborn kept to tbe last bis peculiar mastery of contrasted blacks and whites, which gives even this last plate tbe rich effect so characteristic of all of bis work although in it be did lose some of tbe delicacy and cleanliness of line which distinguished bis earlier work. OR frontispiece portrait of Mr. Sberborn will be easily recognized as of the incomparable workman- ship of Mr. Sidney L. Smith, of Boston. Che second illustration is of Sherborn's home, i f inborough Road, South Kensington, which has long been a Mecca for Lon- don visitors from tbe Book-plate Olorld* Hnd here their visits were always made events long to be remembered in tbe fashion in which Mr. prescott describes the good man's courtesy. "Che Sherbom Bouse drawing is by Mr* Cdaltcr Marshall Clute. The 6x Libran Hdvertising Supplement fi. Hlfrcd fowler, editor, 3 6ast Hrmour Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo., d. 8* H. Gothic Book-plates /& "Being certain passages. from 'Che Nature of Gothic* by John Ruskin, and certain Book-plates by Bertha Gorst, H, R 6*" <*, fi printed throughout upon white Italian hand- made paper ; CQ^tains^eveN ORIGIlNfHL CQp P6R pLHte IlNIpReSSlpISfS, one of them a signed proof, of book-plates by Bertha Gorst, and is limited to 250 copies fi Che brochure is uniform in style of type and paper with Che Li bran but is large 4 to,, in size /*? fi price -$1.50 ^ Kindly address: IX Hlfred fowler, 3 Gast Hrmour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, U 8 H, Catalogue of a Collection of fine and Rare Book-plates Containing also a second Hlpbabet of about 13000 plates arranged in family Groups, fi IS interesting and beautiful specimen has every attraction that appeals to collectors, including that of great rarity, and has been previously reproduced but once, when it appeared in that defunct magazine "Che Savoy," for October 1896, as an illustration, together with the no less rare plate of the "Chateau Royal de la Bast- ille ," without descriptive text. iCfieR the late Obiter Hamilton in his two works, "frencb Book-plates" and "Dated Book- plates"? nor JMiss Labouchere in "Ladies' Book- plates," alludes to this bijou; and other works upon the subject of the libraries of JMarie Hntoincttc do not mention it. Some critics, without apparent warrant, have asserted that the engraving is not a book-plate but is a frontispiece to the catalogue of the illustrious owner's first library? and it is a fact that volumes from her later collections that have been preser- ved bear no other marks of ownership than the armorial stamps upon the morocco covers, showing the Hustrian shield beside that of the Bourbon lilies, accollee* JH the writer's possession there is a note written by the late Julian Marshall, who owned an example of the engraving, in which he acknowledged that he knew not whether it was a book-plate or a frontispiece, or had been used as both. Secretary Hndre, of the frcncb Society of Book-plate Collectors, suggested that the plate was the fron- tispiece to the catalogue of the library of the Daupbine; & an- other french authority wrote that he knew there was such a book-plate but it was so rare that he had never seen it. f e. {ft. f tncham in characters of the period appeared on the pun- ning picture. ROOfS were pulled on old fly leaves of suitable paper and so ended Hct I of the Comedy. H "little brown booh" was found of the correct date as to binding, circa 1 865, and on its inner cover duly ap- peared the "fahc" which bore such a faithful vraiscmblance to the genuine article as to satisfy even the elect. Chen a letter was concocted and signed "Ralph FHgginbotbam" from tipper Norwood, X thinh, offering f incham the little booh as possibly of interest to him as it contained what appeared to be an early book-plate and bearing his name 6nd of Hct XX. N due course a letter of thanks was sent to this FHggin- botbam by the grateful recipient, but the letter never reached that gentleman, as he could not be found at Up- per Norwood or anywhere else hnown to the postmast- er General and bach it came to the sender. H few days later there ensued a meeting of the Council of the Gx Libris Society and the little booh & its book plate was exhib- ited becoming the object of some envy by those who had never seen the plate before or ever heard of it, and an enthusiast on the Council, now alas gone where book-plates troubleth not, made a bid of a guinea for the booh which was, of course, de- clined by its owner. ,#60,* ^ dear old friend Barnes Roberts Brown, now also joined the majority, who was my accomplice in this pious fraud, was the soul of candour and of court- esy; he could not bear the thought of any serious deception being rampant even in the little world of book-plates, and so the story was told in all of its amusing detail of con- ception & execution* "Co mahe amends to Mr* fincbam the cop- per was presented to him & X have since occasionally met with impressions in collections* It is a pretty plate and is admir- ably suited to its purpose. B6 coppers of the other initials were some of them advanced to the same use after the needful worft had been engraved upon them by the late Mr* Sberbom who knew the story and who shared the fun of the moment which it created. 'Chis incident was surely harmless in its results and it made for the camaraderie of a small Soc- iety which did its work well and expired only when that work was done. Gco. Clulow. (Hpropos of this article it is interesting to note the remarks with reference to the f^ncham plate in the recently issued Sber- born Memorial in which the author says, " and can not say positively that it is his worh. ffo sketch, proof, print, or ref- erence to the plate can be found among Mr. Sberborn's possess- ions/* "Che authenticity of the plate has now been established, however, by Mr. Clulow who has proofs of various "states" in his possession* 6d.) Hn Hrnerican Book-plate Society. F)G increasing interest in booh-platca shown in Hmcrica during the past two years has created a necessity for the organization of an Hmer- ican Book-plate Society, which shall have a nat- ional significance* 'Che need seems obvious in- deed to all who have considered the subject. R6 larger majority of those interested in this most fascinating subject of book plates already know of the thriving existence of the 6x Libris Society ab- road. "Che 6x Libris Terein of Berlin is worthy of special note as being especially auspicious, and its publications are works of intense interest to the recipients. Societies for the collectors and lovers of book-plates in frame, Hustria, It- aly, and Switzerland have also come into favor, and I am in- formed that the Gnglish Society is soon to be revived under new leadership* Hs to a National Society in Hmcrica, X sincere- ly believe in its organization and in its after success. "C present there is, in California, a prosperous little society with all of its members intensely interest- ed in book-plates. Chere is, in this organization, a sense of intimacy and comradeship which is the result of the comparatively small number of members & their occasional meetings. It is largely from the suggestions of one of their amiable leaders, Mr. Sheldon Cheney, that I have even dared start upon this new task of organization and it is in- deed seeming to become one of magnitude* It seems better, up- on consideration, that this new Society should not be built up- on the old, although it is already apparent that the majority of the members of the old society are eager to become members of the newer one as well. w& If I ym *C is my wish, and baa become my endeavor, to secure a meeting of all those interested in the organization of such a society sometime during January. In the mean- while I am working over the subjeft and am taking this opportunity to ash all the readers of Che 6x Libran who find this of interest to please communicate with me. I shall esteem it an especial favor which will receive my closest attention to gain any suggestions which may be offer- ed. "Che co-operation of everyone interested is, of course, what is essential above all if success is to be hoped for. Princeton, New Jersey. Clifford N* Carver. (In connection with this announcement by Mr. Carver it is in- teresting to note another evidence of his book-plate enthusiasm his recently published, "Booh-plates of Princeton & princc- tonians" which is in every way a worthy successor of his form- er effort, "Booh-plates of Olell-hnown Hmcricans." 6d.) ^ Che 6x Libran ^ ]S occasional magazine devoted to book-plates, bib- liophilism, and art; edited and published by f). Hlfred fowler ^ Hddress all business and edit- orial communications to the editor, 3 Gast Hrm- our Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, Q. S. H., fi Sub- scription: $2.00 per volume of four numbers; single copies will not be circulated separately j& Literary contributions will be gladly considered for publication, so we are to have an Hmerican 6x Libris Soc- iety of National importance at last! Not that the little California Society has been of no importance but it has been really useful only to its very limit- ed number of members, elsewhere in this issue will be found ]Mr* Carver's announcement tbat be is willing to come forward and take a leading part in the organization of a national society devoted to book-plates and we but wish bim every success witb tbe undertaking* 'C is to be hoped tbat be will meet witb a hearty re- sponse from all of our interested readers bis cause is certainly a worthy one and one. if we but stop to consider it. that we should be grateful to bim for undertaking to guide to success for us* "Che meeting ]Mr Car- ver proposes holding seems the logical way in which to form- ulate the constitution of tbe Society and it might be well for those unable to attend the meeting to write out their views at length and send them to ]Mr* Carver for consideration thereat* OR sometime the necessity for giving up the pub- lication of "Che 6x Libran" has been apparent to your editor, ]^ot tbat be is tired of tbe work con- nected witb personally attending to every detail, even to setting tbe type, sewing the covers, and pasting the in- serts, but be simply finds that circumstances will not permit of bis devoting so much of his time to the work hereafter. So there is another reason for our being so optimistic about JMr. Carver's proposed society it will keep alive a publication in the Gnglisb language devoted to book-plates, which we would not otherwise have after this issue of Che Gx Libran. OUR editor will, however, still be in communication witb bis friends through "Che Biblio" witb which be intends to succeed Che Gx Libran* 'Che new mag- azine will be devoted more to bookish interests but will present many articles of interest to book-plate collectors and admirers, tbe difference being that it will be "essentially" devoted to bibliology instead of simply to book-plates. In a supplement to this issue full details of tbe new venture will be set forth and the editor will be happy to see the enrollment of all possible of Che 6x Libran's subscribers* T is indeed with great regret that be gives up The Gx Libran for it baa truly been a great pleasure simply an ideal pastime but one tbat grew to sueb proportions tbat it became unwieldy* Hnd so, after again expressing bis appreciation to all of bis hind friends (which same appreciation be bas endeavoured to express to them, heretofore, from time to time) who bave taken sucb an active interest in the welfare of this little effort, au revoir but to meet again through "Cbe Biblio, let us hope! I I Index* Hftcrnoon witb Mr. Sberborn^ Hn 25. Hntoinettc., "Che Book-plate of Marie 47. Hrcbbisbop's Rouse, Boston 20. Book-plate., H Memorial 45. Book-plate., "Che evolution of a 59. Book plates., Impressionistic 1 3* 6x Libran., Che 14, 35, 51, 63. frcncb*, edwin Davis 5. Runt., "Che Book-plate of Isaac 17. Macdonald., Book-plates by Hrtbur N. 55* Moray., Book-plate of the 6arl of 49. Notes upon a Collection of Book-plates by Charles QKiUiam Sberborn, R. 6. 27. pisearro., Notes on Book-plates by Gstbcr & Lucien and on their 6ragny press 39. Shcrborn., Charles ftlilliam 23. "Sberborn^ Cbe Life & Work of C. W." 58. Society., Hn Htncrican Book-plate 62. Strickland, Hrchitcft ., William 1 9* Index to Illustrations* H(ndreini)., % M 38. Hntoinette^ Marie 46. Curran., Pauline Garner 12. eastbrook., "John 4. "Gx Libran^ "Cbe" 3. (f isbes^ Queen of Cbe) 4> Runt^ Isaac 17. Mctcalf., f lorcncc H. 5^ Moray. 50. Ohio Hlcove Memorial Library. 44. preaton., Georgia ]M. 6. proftor., f rederich C. / Rachel M. *B. 54* Quiller-Coucb., (Sir) Hrtbur 65. Sberborn., In Mcmoriam Charles SCUlUam 2^. Sberborn Rome London* 34. (Simple., dn Coeur) 42. Strickland., OZ. 18. lohn Sbelton 8* C. Cbe 6x Libran, printed by various presses in the city of Kansas City, in the state of JVIissouri, under the supervision of and from type set & arranged by the editor. Cbis fourth number of the first volume completes the entire publication, 'Cbe Gx Libran Hdvcrtising Supplement B. Hlfrcd fowler, editor, 3 Gast Hrmour Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo., CL 8. H. THE BIBLIO* C. An occasional magazine devoted to books bibliology, bibliophilism, bibliopegy and kindred subjects of inter- est to bibliophiles* C. In succeeding The Ex Libran with this publication it will be our aim to cover a field now not dwelt upon to any appreciable extent the truly fine and rare books* CI, Subscription price: $2.00 per volume of four numbers* Single copies 50 cents each* C. Kindly address all communications to the editor: THE BIBLIO, H* Alfred Fowler, Editor, 3 East Armour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, U* S* A* THE EX LIBRAN* C. With this fourth issue of The Ex Libran subscribers' files should all be complete in four numbers* As the pub- lication will no longer be issued some may desire duplicate sets of this first and only volume and a few such sets are still obtainable from the editor at subscription price $2.00 Gothic Boob-plates S& " Being certain passages from 'Che feature of Gothic' by 7obn Ruskin t and certain Book-plates by Bertha Gorst, H R* G." fi /& Printed throughout upon white Italian hand- madepaper ; contains S6YeN ORI6INHL COp p6R pLHCe IJVIpReSSlO^S, one of them a signed proof, of book-plates by Bertha Gorst, and is limited to ^50 copies /? Che brochure is uniform in style of type and paper with Che Li bran but is large 4 to., in size /? fi price -$1.50 fi Kindly address: fr Hlfred fowler, 3 Bast Hrmour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, U 8* H Book-plates Coata-of-arrna, Greats, and Library platea, Designed and engraved George JVIoore, 67 Seals Street, Broohline, JVIassacbusetts. THERE will be issued, in the next few months, a book entitled LINCOLNIANA BOOK-PLATES* It will have an especially engraved title-page, original plate im- pressions in illustration, and text by authorities on "Lin- colniana"; limited to 500 copies on hand-made paper* C. The work should prove of quite as much interest to col- lectors of Lincolniana as to collectors of book-plates* De- tailed information concerning the book may be had, when ready, from: H. Alfred Fowler, 3 East Armour Boule- vard, Kansas Qty, Missouri, U S A Che 6x Libyan Series of Original photographic prints of Book-plates by Charles OKUiam Bberborn, R, 6. /? Gach print is a photographic print of a negative made from an original plate impression of the book-plate fi "Che prints are the exaft size of the originals and are nicely mounted, un- iform in size /? price: 25 cents each , or $2*50 for the set of 1 2 < "Che prints are of the following plates: I. Victoria Mary, Queen of England, II. Mary Hdelaidc, Duchess of Ccck. HI. franccs folsom (Mi's, rover) Cleveland. IT. Burlington fine Hrts Club, London. T. Society of Hntiquaries, London. TI. prince f rancis of Cecfe. Til. Shakespeare's Birth-place Library. Till. Shakespeare Memorial Library, Stratford-on-Hvon IX. Duke of Northumberland. X. Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn London. XI. "Gwendolen." XII. Davies-Colley Collection, Guy's Hospital, London. & Unmounted prints for "extra illustration" may be had at the same rate. Kindly address- Che 6x Libran, ft. Hlfred fowler, editor, 3 Gast Hrmour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, d. S. H* 'Che Book-plate Booklet & H few 8ts of the fourth volume of Cbe Book-plate Booklet are still available at the original subscription price -$1*25 /? Kindly address: T>. Hlfred fowler, s 6ast Hrmour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, d. S. H;. H List of Subscribers to Che x Libran desiring exchange of book-plates. HUen., Miss Susan %, 255 6 Main St., Moorcstown, N. % Baer., Lylc S., 305 Bloomington Street North, Strcator, Ill- inois: etched and engraved plates desired. Collector fine bindings, etchings, Japanese prints and porcelains. Baldwin., Mrs. % M., c/o Rams, f orbes & Co., 56 William Street, New torfc. Blackburn., Oscar "C., 3525 parh H venue, Minneapolis, Minn. Bradshaw., Dr. S. e., 421 University Ridge, Greenville, South Carolina: plates by french, Spenceley, Sherborn preferred. Brewer., Rev. SCUUiam H^ Burlingame, California. Curtin^ Dr. Roland 6., ^z South i8th St., Philadelphia, pa: Special collection of ex librid of medical men. engler., Hrthur, 58 FHgh St., Attest Nutley, N. X: Collefting f^rench, Spenceley and others. fowlcV.^ B. H., 3 east Hrmour Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri free public Library, Newark, N* 1: Hrmorial and other book- plates in exchange. Greenwood., fVederick, 1724 8th Hve, Spokane, Washington, Will exchange his own for modern plates. Rail, Gilbert Gdgerton, fremont, Ohio: Ropson. Rays., William R. H^ Wyandone Building, Columbus, Ohio. Lambert., Otto, 230 West isist St., New tork, exchanges his Rolzschnitt auf hollandisch Butten. Lion., Louis, alte Rabensttv 26, Ramburg, Germany. Lombard., Rev. Rerbert e^ Worcester, Massachusetts. M*cdonald*t Catharine M> 101 Steuben St., east Orange, N* % MiUigan., MissB^ w Glendower, n Shaftsbury Road, Burwood, N* S. W^ Hustralia: Will exchange her engraved plate by W* p. Barrett for plates by Messrs. Sherborn, french, Smith, Spenceley, eve, and Barrett. Murad., Miss Gllincr, Villa Max, Mcran, Hustria: exchanges only highly artistical original booh-phtco. pope., H. Wintbrop, Newton, Massachusetts: Hlso interested in book-plate literature, prcscott., Winward, p. O. Box 3066, Boston, Mass., Would like offerings of any boohs, pamphlets, or magazine and newspaper articles dealing with book-plates. Rath-Merrill., Mi's. Mary 6. 80 North Winner Hve, Columbus, Ohio. Rossitcr., Miss edith R., 15 Sdest 6jth 8t^ New ^orh City. Saeng., Ludwig, 20 Kirchstrasse, Darmstadt, Germany: Hrt- istic book-plates and posters. Schroctcr., F). M*, 3700 Washington Boulevard cor 7th Hw., Los Hngeles, California. Qherwin., Miss Clara prentis, 8117 Guclid Hvenue, Cleveland, Ohio. "Coedteberg., Miss Gmma, 274 Tanderbilt Hvenue, Brooklyn, N. t: Interested in book-plates of "notables." "Cownlcy., C5. R-, 5460 Washington Hve., Chicago, Illinois. . 1736 1 6th Street, Denver, Colorado. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-Series 4939 A 000 899 676 1 v.l