first edition Original blue paper wrappers; later paper backstrip stitched.
[1831] · [Reading]
by Egelmann, Carl Friedrich - WRITING MANUAL
[Reading]: [Egelmann], [1831]. First Edition with 16 plates.. Original blue paper wrappers; later paper backstrip stitched.. Good, with some overall age browning and spotting; tide marks to the corners; backstrip with early stitching as reinforcement.. Oblong 8vo. 16 leaves of engraved plates; some sheets have animals, different script examples, chemical signs, and a sampler model.
During the 18th century Mennonite schoolmasters in rural areas would often convey pious wisdom and the technique of forming German letters to their students by presenting their best pupils with beautifully calligraphed and decorated religious texts known as Vorschriften. Egelmann was a Reading schoolmaster and engraver. He issued this handsomely engraved booklet made up of Vorschriften for use by students as a writing manual. It contains numerous examples of different calligraphic styles accompanied by renderings of animals, scenes and an allegorical representation in a distinctly 'primitive' style. It also contains a plate of chemical symbols and replica of a fabric sampler. It is wholly American in nature and origin. In 1984 the Library Company of Philadelphia organized an exhibition of German life in the Philadelphia region during the 18th and 19th century. Egelmann's 1821 booklet was exhibited. The catalogue for the exhibit makes passing reference to four editions between 1820 and 1831 (Nash cites only three). We have sold one copy of the 1821 edition. The 1831 edition, offered here, differs from the earlier editions. It has 16 plates. The twelfth plate of the book has had the date altered to 1831 in the plate Egelmann has also added some textual embellishments to the title page and the additional illustrated leaves: one of chemical symbols, and one to act as a pattern for fabric samplers. A superb example of early American provincial engraving and book making. Nash, #136. (Inventory #: 13021)
During the 18th century Mennonite schoolmasters in rural areas would often convey pious wisdom and the technique of forming German letters to their students by presenting their best pupils with beautifully calligraphed and decorated religious texts known as Vorschriften. Egelmann was a Reading schoolmaster and engraver. He issued this handsomely engraved booklet made up of Vorschriften for use by students as a writing manual. It contains numerous examples of different calligraphic styles accompanied by renderings of animals, scenes and an allegorical representation in a distinctly 'primitive' style. It also contains a plate of chemical symbols and replica of a fabric sampler. It is wholly American in nature and origin. In 1984 the Library Company of Philadelphia organized an exhibition of German life in the Philadelphia region during the 18th and 19th century. Egelmann's 1821 booklet was exhibited. The catalogue for the exhibit makes passing reference to four editions between 1820 and 1831 (Nash cites only three). We have sold one copy of the 1821 edition. The 1831 edition, offered here, differs from the earlier editions. It has 16 plates. The twelfth plate of the book has had the date altered to 1831 in the plate Egelmann has also added some textual embellishments to the title page and the additional illustrated leaves: one of chemical symbols, and one to act as a pattern for fabric samplers. A superb example of early American provincial engraving and book making. Nash, #136. (Inventory #: 13021)