THE UNIVERSAL PENMAN

BICKHAM, George.  THE UNIVERSAL PENMAN.                                                  

London: Robert Sayer, (1741). Folio. Later calf. Frontispiece, 212 plates. First edition, fourth issue. [Ekstrom, page 79; Bonicini, 207].

Bickham's The Universal Penman is the most important calligraphic book of the eighteenth century.  It was first issued to subscribers in fifty-two parts from 1733 until 1741 and was heavily used by its owners, making complete copies in acceptable condition very uncommon.  Included is work by twenty-five different writing masters.  Bickham's engraving skill allowed him to cut through the wax directly without preliminary tracing.  Rebound in a handsome full calf binding.  The finest copy we have seen in over thirty years of bookselling.

 

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