This #marbledmonday feature is extra fancy, with some bright marbled endpapers and a gorgeous marbled leather binding.

Unlike tree calf and other stained leather bindings, which are decorated after the book is bound, this whole piece of leather was marbled first, and then cut to size for the binding.

A true marbley beauty inside and out!

Tiberius Cavallo. A Complete Treatise of Electricity in Theory and Practice (London, 1777)

#MiniatureMonday

Messages from Kitemaug by Frank Anderson (Kitemaug Press)

Today we have some messages for you, in the form of some lovely marbled papers in a book from Kitemaug Press.

“What is the message exactly?” you might ask, well, that is for you to decide! The book even has front labels on both sides, so the message can be read either way.

Bound Japanese style in orange paper wrappers with gilt paper label pasted on both covers (one opposite from the other so it can be read from either direction) with title printed in black ink.–Catalog

^Messages can come in many surprising forms^

–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student

#MiniatureMondayTinyTuesday

Turckisch papir : a short history of marbling in the Orient and in Germany = Eine kurze Geschichte des Marmorierens im Orient und in Deutschland : with 10 original marbled papers

Nedim Sönmez author, marbler. Maren Mau-Piper binder.; Druckerei Muller and Bass, printer.; Jackle-Sonmez, publisher.

Today’s item has some beautiful examples of marbled paper, showing how many different designs are possible, including examples of waves, flowers, even calligraphy! It also includes a short history of marbling, particularly in the Middle East and Germany.

Binding: Bound in full green morocco with envelope flap, gilt floral decoration on both covers, marbled end papers.

Includes 10 tipped in specimens of marbled paper. The 10 designs are Suminagashi, stone, fantasy, heart, hatip, blossom, calligraphy, art nouveau, and waves.

“Printed at Druckerei Muller + Bass, Tübingen. Hand bound by Maren Mau-Pieper, Tübingen. Marbled specimens by Nedim Sönmez.” –Colophon. Library has deluxe copy no. 31, signed by author. –Catalog

–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student

From: Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1469-1527. The prince. London : Printed for Sherwood, Neely, and Jones, 1810

JC143 .M38 1810

From: Beverley, Robert, approximately 1673-1722. The history of Virginia. London : Printed for F. Fayram, J. Clarke, and T. Bickerton, 1722

F229 .B62 1722

From: Willughby, Francis, 1635-1672. Ornithology. London : Printed by A.C. for J. Martyn, 1678

QL673 .W72

From: Dante Alighieri, 1265-1321. Le banquet. Paris : Moreau, 1852

PQ4316.57 .R4