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SPURZHEIM, Johann Christoph (1776-1832). Outlines of the Physiognomical System of Drs. Gall and Spurzheim: Indicationg the Dispositions and Manifestations of the Mind. London: Baldwin, Craddock and Joy, 1815.
12o (160 x 94 mm). Engraved frontispiece. Contemporary English calf, each cover with acid-stained drawn caricature relating to Spurzheim, gilt panelled, smooth spine gilt, black morocco lettering pieces, edges gilt, by Lee of Lewes, gilt-stamped in lettering piece on spine (some light edgewear).
A.N.L. Munby wrote of this "highly original and unusual type of binding": "On each cover is a well-drawn caricature relevant to the volume's contents. These pictures, apparently drawn in acid in a technique similar to that which produces 'tree' calf, must have required a very sure touch in their execution and a control of materials which compelled the admiration of a modern binder to whom I showed the book" ("Collecting English Signed Bindings," in: The Book Collector (Autumn 1953) vol.2, no.3, illustrated pl. 6).
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A.N.L. Munby wrote of this "highly original and unusual type of binding": "On each cover is a well-drawn caricature relevant to the volume's contents. These pictures, apparently drawn in acid in a technique similar to that which produces 'tree' calf, must have required a very sure touch in their execution and a control of materials which compelled the admiration of a modern binder to whom I showed the book" ("Collecting English Signed Bindings," in: The Book Collector (Autumn 1953) vol.2, no.3, illustrated pl. 6).