William Pickering, Publisher : A Memoir and a Check-List of His Publications

Galahad Press, London, special edition, 1969. Special edition of 100 copies signed by author. Cloth, gilt cover-device, 4to, 27 cm,. 125 pp, 38 facs. Pickering [1796 - 1854] was a pioneer in publishing attractive though inexpensive books and in the use of cloth bindings in place of paper boards. Keynes first published his bibliography in 1924 when his publisher described it as follows : "'The fame of William Pickering (born 1796, died 1854) as a designer and producer of books has long been known to a small circle of collectors, but the extent of his influence on the history of the book trade in England has not been fully appreciated. A monograph by Mr. Geoffrey Keynes, F.R.C.S., now provides material for a fairer judgement. In an introductory essay the author traces the main events in Pickering's life, and gives a connected account of his activities as a publisher and bookseller. The essay is supplemented by a check-list describing Pickering's chief publications of literary and typographical interest." In this revised edition Keynes adds a new preface, revises and extends the Memoir of William Pickering, and augments the listing of Pickering's publications. Copy No. 12, signed by the author. Boards a little splayed, otherwise Near Very Good in a slightly faded dustwrapper.