Taste and Technique in Book-Collecting, John Carter — 1st Edition

£24.30

Taste and Technique in Book-Collecting, John Carter — 1st Edition

Name: Taste and Technique in Book-Collecting, John Carter — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6873
Price: 24.30 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1948

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xi, 201.

Condition Report: Good. The binding remains tight and structurally sound, though the original red cloth boards show light handling wear and the spine is heavily sunned, noticeably fading the colour. The edges of the text block are lightly toned and bear minor spotting, yet the internal pages remain bright, clean, and entirely free from foxing or tearing. Despite the external cosmetic wear and the absence of a dust jacket, this remains a solid, readable copy of a foundational text.

Catalogue Note: This is the first edition of John Carter’s highly influential bibliographical study, originally delivered as the Sandars Lectures in Bibliography at Cambridge University in 1947. This unillustrated volume provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution of book collecting in Great Britain and the United States.

The text is widely recognised as a cornerstone for bibliophiles and dealers alike. While copies are relatively common on the open market, they are steadily absorbed into private reference libraries, making sound, early printings a desirable acquisition for those interested in the history of the antiquarian trade.

A seminal work in the world of bibliography, John Carter’s Taste and Technique in Book-Collecting offers an unparalleled dive into the philosophy, history, and practice of acquiring rare books. Drawing upon his profound experience in the trade, Carter eloquently maps out the shift in collecting habits from the mid-nineteenth century to the post-war era, shedding light on the intricacies of condition, rarity, and the undeniable allure of the printed word. It remains an essential and thoroughly engaging read for both the seasoned antiquarian and the aspiring collector.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: John Carter

Book Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 201

Book Publication Year: 1948

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: The Sandars Lectures in Bibliography

Country/region of manufacture: Cambridge, 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.