Matrix 9: A Review for Printers & Bibliophiles, Winter 1989 — 1st Edition

£115.00

Matrix 9: A Review for Printers & Bibliophiles, Winter 1989 — 1st Edition

Name: Matrix 9: A Review for Printers & Bibliophiles, Winter 1989 — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5228
Price: 115.00 GBP
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Matrix 9: A Review for Printers & Bibliophiles, Winter 1989, Edited by John and Rosalind Randle — First Edition

Publication Andoversford, Gloucestershire, The Whittington Press, 1989

Formatting 4to, pp. 200.

Condition Report Near Fine. The heavy, illustrated stiff paper covers remain exceptionally clean and crisp, retaining their original beige tone with no sunning or discolouration. The extremities show no appreciable wear, the corners are sharp, and the spine is uncreased, indicating the book has seen minimal to no handling. The internal text block is tight and perfectly square. The high-quality textured papers, including Sommerville Laid, Hahnemühle, and Zerkall stock, are bright, entirely free of foxing, and unmarked throughout. All tipped-in plates, halftones, and wood engravings are pristine. The original orange subscription form for Matrix 10 remains loosely inserted and immaculate.

Catalogue Note This is a first edition of the ninth instalment of the highly regarded Matrix series, limited to an overall print run of 925 copies. As detailed in the colophon, this specific copy belongs to the standard issue of 820 copies bound in stiff covers, distinguishing it from the 105 copies that were quarter-bound in Oasis leather.

Set in 12-point Monotype Caslon and printed during August 1989, the volume showcases the exceptional craftsmanship associated with the Whittington Press. It is profusely illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs, line blocks by Keene Engraving, tipped-in plates, and a striking front cover woodcut by Robert Gibbings.

As a premier reference for typographers, fine press enthusiasts, and historians of the book arts, early and well-preserved copies of Matrix are highly sought-after and increasingly uncommon on the open market, particularly when retaining their original ephemera.

Published annually by the Whittington Press between 1981 and 2020, Matrix stands as one of the most significant and lavishly produced typographic journals of the twentieth century. Number Nine offers a rich compilation of essays, historical insights, and reminiscences, with a heavy focus on the centenary of the birth of wood-engraver Robert Gibbings, the golden age of the Golden Cockerel Press, and a wealth of traditional printing methods. Bringing together scholarly articles, stunning woodcuts, and exquisite paper samples, this volume is both a tactile delight and an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about the art and history of the printed book.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: John Randle, Rosalind Randle

Book Publisher: The Whittington Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Art & Architecture

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 200

Book Publication Year: 1989

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover (Stiff Wrappers)

Illustrator: Robert Gibbings

Book Series: Matrix

Country/region of manufacture: Andoversford, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

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.