The Origin and Progress of Letters. An Essay in two parts, the first shewing when, and by whom letters were invented : the formation of the alphabets of various nations : their manner of writing, on what materials, and with what instruments men have written in different ages to the present time : wherein is considered the great utility of this art with regard to mankind : the second part consists of a compendious account of the most celebrated English penmen, with the titles and characters of the books they have published both from the rolling and letter press : interspersed with many interesting particulars by way of notes throughout the first part : and the second is a new species of biography never attempted before in English : the whole collected from undoubted authorities

first edition iv, 160, [8]; [4], 175, [1, ad]pp. 8vo

1763 · London

by Massey, W.
London: Printed for J. Johnson, 1763. First edition. iv, 160, [8]; [4], 175, [1, ad]pp. 8vo. Sheep repaired with two pieces of straight grain morocco laid down. First edition. iv, 160, [8]; [4], 175, [1, ad]pp. 8vo. The second part of this curious book, treating of calligraphy, contains particulars not elsewhere recorded of the lives of celebrated English penmen. "It is to William Massey that we owe a very great deal of our knowledge of the English writing-masters... It is the first and only book that deals with English writing-masters and their works... it is surprisingly complete and accurate."-Heal. Heal, , The English Writing-Masters. p. 73 (Inventory #: 303215)
James Cummins Bookseller Inc.
Offered by

James Cummins Bookseller Inc.

699 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10065
email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
phone number(212) 688-6441
Specializing in Americana, African Americana, Science & Technology, Sporting, Color-Plate Books, Private Press, First Editions, Fine Bindings, Sets, English & American Literature, Illustration Art, Autographs & Manuscripts
More from this seller
Specimens of American Poetry with Critical and Biographical Notices. In Three Volumes
First Edition 

Specimens of American Poetry with Critical and Biographical Notices. In Three Volumes

by Kettell, Samuel

Boston : S. G. Goodrich and Co , 1829
(click for more details about Specimens of American Poetry with Critical and Biographical Notices. In Three Volumes)
Invisible Man
First Edition 

Invisible Man

by Ellison, Ralph

New York : Random House , 1952
(click for more details about Invisible Man)
View all from this seller>

The ABAA
Promise

You can be confident that when you make a purchase through ABAA.org, the item is sold by an ABAA member in full compliance with our Code of Ethics. Our sellers guarantee your order will be shipped promptly and that all items are as described. Buy with confidence through ABAA.org.