Standard Binding

This 1911 edition of The Conquest of Mexico exhibits the first binding style that was in use from 1906-1928. The gilt floral decoration was designed by Reginald Knowles. This volume is from the Williams Collection

Because of shortages during World War I, some titles in EML printed from 1914-1927 used imitation gold leaf, and therefore have a faded appearance. This 1914 edition of At the Sign of the Cat and Racket & Other Stories by Balzac is an example of this imitation gold leaf and is easily distinguishable when laid beside one of the real gold volumes. This volume is from Flann O’Brien’s Library.

Quarter Pigskin Binding

This 1909 edition of Essays Literary and Critical by Matthew Arnold is an example of the rare deluxe binding in quarter pigskin. It has a simpler gilt design and was only available in the early days of EML, probably not after 1918. The quarter pigskin binding had blank paste-downs. This edition was owned by Hilaire Belloc.

Aldine Binding

This 1908 Edition of The French Revolution by Thomas Carlyle is an example of the Aldine binding style. Like the quarter pigskin, it was only available in the early years of EML, from about 1909-1918. It has a decorated spine, but does not bear any mention of being part of EML on the exterior. It was bound with a silk ribbon book marker. The introduction for this volume was written by Hilaire Belloc and it comes from the British Catholic Authors Collection.

Library Binding

The binding of this 1908 edition of A Voyage Round the World in the Years 1740-4 by Lord George Anson was available during the first two styles of EML, from 1906-1934. This sturdy style was known as the “library binding” and although designed for library use, many were purchased by individuals. This style has a simpler spine. The title is enclosed in a gilt border with a loop at the bottom. The loop was left blank for editions published in America by E.P. Dutton, while English editions published by J.M. Dent had an overlapping “E” and “L” inside the loop. This edition comes from the Williams Collection.

Title Page

This 1910 edition of Warren Hastings: A Biography is an excellent example of the beautiful title page that editions of EML had until the mid 1930’s. It was designed by Reginald Knowles and is inspired by the works of William Morris, a 19th century artist who founded the Kelmscott Press. Each of the thirteen subject areas of EML had a different design and quote. The quote (for biography) on the left hand side of the image is by John Milton. This volume is from the Williams Collection.

Paste-down

This 1911 edition of A Tale of a Tub: The Battle of the Books and Other Satires by Jonathan Swift is an excellent illustration of the paste-downs used by EML from 1906-1934. Like the title page and spine, it was designed by Reginald Knowles. It features a quote from the medieval morality play Everyman, which is where the series gets its name. The woman pictured is the character Good Deeds, and the quote was said by her sister, Knowledge. This edition is from the Irish collection.