Page:Historical essay on the art of bookbinding (IA 0130ARTO).pdf/35

gested nothing. And as the art of bookbinding owed its existence to them, and to them only, they were responsible for its decadence. Obviously, it was not an art to be restricted to one nation or to one family, as tradition would have it in France, and forthwith did Bradstreet’s, of New York, undertake to make it American also; and now, if the rallied book collectors of the Old World point with pride to Trautz-Bauzonnet, Lortie, Marius Michel, Hardy, Amand, Bedford, Smeers, Rivière and Zachnsdorf, the New World may retort with Matthews and Bradstreet’s. And deservedly, because there is a solidity, strength and squareness of workmanship about the books of The Bradstreet bindery which seem to convince that they may be “tossed from the summit of Snowdon to that of Cader Idris,” without detriment or serious injury. Certainly, none can put a varied colored morocco coat on a book, and gild it with greater perfection in choice of ornament and splendor of gold, and with greater care, taste and success, than Bradstreet’s. The experienced book collector will appreciate this de visu; the uninitiated should be made aware of the qualities that constitute perfection in bookbinding, the combination of solidity with elegance. The volume should open easily, and re-