Masonic Bookplates, Winward Prescott — 1st Edition

£140.00

Masonic Bookplates, Winward Prescott — 1st Edition

Name: Masonic Bookplates, Winward Prescott — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6593
Price: 140.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Boston, The Four Seas Company, 1918

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [frontispiece], 28.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original blue boards show moderate signs of shelf-wear, including rubbing to the extremities, mild surface marking, and light bumping to the corners, yet the paper title label affixed to the front board remains remarkably clean and fully intact. The spine ends exhibit some minor fraying and wear commensurate with age, though the binding remains structurally sound and relatively tight. Internally, the volume is well-preserved; the preliminary leaves, title page, and frontispiece are notably bright and clean, largely free from the foxing or age-toning typically found in volumes of this period. An attractive, solid copy.

Catalogue Note: This is a scarce first edition of Winward Prescott's highly niche reference work on Masonic bookplates, published in an exceptionally limited print run of just 200 copies. The volume features a detailed frontispiece illustrating the bookplate of August Glahn, designed by J. K. Gratz.

Adding to its appeal, this specific copy holds notable provenance, originating from the personal library of the respected Masonic scholar and writer, John Robson.

An indispensable resource for both bibliophiles and Masonic historians, Winward Prescott's Masonic Bookplates offers a fascinating exploration into the highly specialised world of fraternal ex-libris. Through carefully curated examples and insightful commentary, Prescott decodes the rich symbolism, from the square and compasses to the double-headed eagle, that distinguished the private libraries of Freemasons. This concise yet historically significant work preserves the intricate artistry and unique identities of early twentieth-century Masonic book collectors.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Winward Prescott

Book Publisher: The Four Seas Company

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 28

Book Publication Year: 1918

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: J. K. Gratz

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Boston, United States

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.