The Philobiblion
New York: Duschnes, 1945. Limited Edition. 8vo. Fine / Near Fine. Item #18687
An exquisite 1945 Limited Edition, one of just six hundred copies printed to commemorate the 600th anniversary of its completion on De Bury's birthday, January 24, 1345.
Each of the 600 copies was individually numbered to correspond to one of the 600 years, this being number 1483 a.d.
Quarter brown leather over beige cloth. 80pp, plus special limitations page. Titling in gilt to spine. Book in Fine condition. Slipcase with just a hint of age toning around edges, else Fine.
"Richard de Bury (1287 – 1345), also known as Richard Aungerville or Aungervyle, was an English priest, teacher, bishop, writer, and bibliophile. He was a patron of learning and one of the first English collectors of books. He is chiefly remembered for his Philobiblon, written to inculcate in the clergy the pursuit of learning and the love of books. The Philobiblon is considered one of the earliest books to discuss librarianship in-depth. Completed shortly before de Bury's death in 1345, the book wasn't published until 1473, and this "little treatise" as he described it, has been regularly reprinted in every century following."
Price: $150.00