The Auchincloss Collection of Fine Press Books from Sophie Schneideman

There is likely not another fine press book admired as much as the Doves Bible other than the Kelmscott Chaucer. The Doves Press was the creation of Thomas Cobden-Sanderson (and Emery Walker). Cobden-Sanderson had worked earlier at William Morris' Kelmscott Press, the ideal place to learn about fine press work. The actual title of this bible is The English Bible Containing the Old Testament out of the Original Tongues by Special Command of His Majesty King James the First and Now Reprinted with Text Revised by a Collation of its Early and Other Principal Editions. This is why people refer to it as the “Doves Bible.” Five Hundred copies were produced between 1903 and 1905. The Doves Bible is identified by its opening red letters, and red line on the first page. Item 134. £10,000 (US $16,405).

Here is an unusual title concerning a niche subject in the fine press realm: The World's Worst Marbled Papers. Being a collection of ten contemporary San Sariffean marbled papers showing the lowest level of technique, the worst combination of colors, and the most inferior execution known since the dawn of marbling, by Theodore Bachaus. As if there is any doubt, this is a spoof. There is no San Seriffe island, and obviously no marbled papers being produced there. There isn't even a Theodore Bachaus. Nor does a Private Presses of San Seriffe exist. The author was Henry Morris, and despite the imprint, it was printed at his Bird & Bull Press. The book contains descriptions of various horrible marbled papers along with 10 samples of terrible papers. This is copy number 1 of 400, but then again, every copy was marked as copy number 1. Published in 1978. £80 (US $128).

Sophie Schneideman Rare Books may be reached at 020 8354 7365 or sophie@ssrbooks.com. Their website is www.ssrbooks.com