Oscar Harpel Issues his "Typograph," the First Great American Specimen Book of Color Job Printing

1870
Fold out plate for The Republication Printing and Engraving Co.
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
Color advertisements from Harpel Typograph
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
Harpel Typograph binding.
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
The binding on Harpel's book was decorative, but not particularly durable so it did not typically stand up to heavy use. The binding on my copy is completely unrestored.
Detail map of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

A: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Harpel Typograph title page and frontispiece
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
In 1870 job printer Oscar H. Harpel of Cincinnati issued Harpel's Typograph or Book of Specimens. This was the first great American specimen book of color job printing. In 2021, after several years of searching, I was finally able to find a copy in about as fine condition as is possible for this book since it was not printed on paper of the best quality, and most copies were extensively handled and worn out.

Timeline Themes

Printing: Color Printing
Fold out plate for The Republication Printing and Engraving Co.
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
Color advertisements from Harpel Typograph
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
Harpel Typograph binding.
Creative Commons LicenseJeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
The binding on Harpel's book was decorative, but not particularly durable so it did not typically stand up to heavy use. The binding on my copy is completely unrestored.