Description
Book SynopsisAt the end of the eighteenth century extravagant sums of money were spent on the acquisition of old books. Focusing on Paris and London, but taking a pan-European view, this book examines the emergence of this commodity and of a new historical discipline created by traders and craftsmen.
Trade Review'[This] book provokes thought: why do we value incunabula? And one is left wanting more: an extension of the collecting period covered, and an extension into the sixteenth century of the books covered (did collectors treat their post-incunabula as they did their incunabula?). Whoever undertakes these labours will have both a good basis for comparison and a demanding benchmark against which to work.' Karen Attar, Rare Books Newsletter
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Enlightenment ideas and revolutionary practice: incunabula and freedom; 2. Aristocratic aspirations and the war-time market: competing for the past and the future; 3. An object-based discipline emerges: old books, new luxury; 4. Competing for authority. 'The insolence of English wealth'; 5. Commemorating and obliterating the past: 'old books, very displeasing to the eye'; 6. Conclusion.
