Chronological Type Specimen List: With Notes on the Types & Details of Their Acquisition
- [Newtown, PA]: Bird & Bull Press, 1988
[Newtown, PA]: Bird & Bull Press, 1988. Fine. A rarity from the esteemed Bird & Bull Press. None in commerce, at auction, or in OCLC. This is an engaging and informative item from the press and its proprietor Henry Morris. It is a fold-out sheet of cream paper with Henry Morris describing his acquisition of many of his types, starting with his first type, Stephenson Blake original Caslon, that was acquired in 1958. He continues with types purchased in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Each description and notes are printed with the type it writes about. The final section is from 1988 using the first wood types, Chatsworth and Caslon Bold, that he had ever bought. He ends first with an image of a cockroach with text saying "Step on Kenny Cockroach...He's a terrible pest." And finally he prints something he describes as completely unrelated but guaranteed to leave you laughing - a quote from Charles P. Everett's The Adventures of a Treasure Hunter, 1952. Morris clearly enjoyed putting this type specimen list together. It is a wonderful example of fine printing and of the humor and dedication of Henry Morris to his press. There is no colophon stating the number of copies printed. When unfolded, this opens to 90 inches. In fine condition with a light crease to the corner of the last page. PRI/120224.