The highly distinctive endpapers on this work appear to have been designed by Owen Jones.
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
The highly distinctive endpapers on this work appear to have been designed by Owen Jones.
The Preacher title page, illuminated by Owen Jones
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
The Preacher page opening with Vanity of Vanities saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities all is vaniety.
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
Colophon stating "Illuminated by Owen Jones"
Upper and lower covers and the spine of the relievo binding.
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
Both the upper and cover recovers repeat the text, "Vanity of Vanities, Saith the Preacher, All is Vanity." On the original scuffed spine we may read with difficulty, "Vanity of Vanities, All is Vanity." When I purchased this copy the covers were off, but I was able to have it rebacked, retaining the original spine.
Detail map of London, England, United Kingdom

A: London, England, United Kingdom

Owen Jones Produces One of the Most Elaborate Machine-Made Deeply Embossed "Gothic" Bindings

1849
Upper cover of relievo binding on Jones's The Preacher
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
In decorative writing that is barely legible, the famous statement, "Vanity of Vanities, Saith the Preacher, All is Vanity" frames the upper cover.
Using a high power stamping press in 1849, Edmonds & Remnants heat stamped the very deep impressions of the elaborate wooden cover designed by Owen Jones for his illuminated and chromolithographed edition of Ecclesiastes entitled The Preacher.  This was probably the most elaborate Victorian bookbinding deeply stamped into wood in emulation of Gothic. While the covers were created by a powerful fly embossing press, the book was bound by hand.

Timeline Themes

Printing: Color Printing
Bookbinding by Machine
Religious Texts / Religion
Bookbinding by Hand

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