1861 · (Bologna)
(Bologna): University Press, 1861. 12mo. 170 x 110 mm., [6 ¾ x 4 ½ inches]. 29 numbered leaves printed on recto only with type specimens and typographical ornaments. Bound in simple ribbed red cloth, boards a bit bowed. Very good copy.
This appears to be the only recorded copy of this lovely type specimen book published by the Royal University of Bologna. It include ten fonts of type called “Carattere di Penna Grossa”, “Canoncino Tondo Majuscolo”, “Canoncino Tondo Basso”, “Parangone Corsivo Maiuscule”, “Parangone Corsivo Basso”, “Testo Corsivo Maiscolo e Basso”, “Testo Tondo Maiuscolo”, “Testo Tondo Basso”, “Lettura Tonda Maiuscolo e Bassa”, “Lettura Corsiva Maiuscolo e Bassa” and “Maiuscolo Allungato”. These are followed by numbers and ornaments titled, “Numeri Diversi”, “Fregi e Cantonate” “Vignette e Sgraffe Diverse”, and “Linee Grosse”. In all there are fourteen different type specimens represented in this little volume.
This specimen book appears to be the work of a student who is attempting to create a book for a class project. Although the compositing of each leaf is well executed the quality of printing is uneven and ink distribution at times spotty. The binding, simple and elegant in its way, makes this a very attractive specimen, not found in any of the standard reference books or union catalogues. The earliest imprint recorded from the University of Bologna Press as listed in the ICCU (Italian Union Catalogue) is 1804. This type specimen book is not listed in the ICCU, OCLC, or NUC. . (Inventory #: 1385)
This appears to be the only recorded copy of this lovely type specimen book published by the Royal University of Bologna. It include ten fonts of type called “Carattere di Penna Grossa”, “Canoncino Tondo Majuscolo”, “Canoncino Tondo Basso”, “Parangone Corsivo Maiuscule”, “Parangone Corsivo Basso”, “Testo Corsivo Maiscolo e Basso”, “Testo Tondo Maiuscolo”, “Testo Tondo Basso”, “Lettura Tonda Maiuscolo e Bassa”, “Lettura Corsiva Maiuscolo e Bassa” and “Maiuscolo Allungato”. These are followed by numbers and ornaments titled, “Numeri Diversi”, “Fregi e Cantonate” “Vignette e Sgraffe Diverse”, and “Linee Grosse”. In all there are fourteen different type specimens represented in this little volume.
This specimen book appears to be the work of a student who is attempting to create a book for a class project. Although the compositing of each leaf is well executed the quality of printing is uneven and ink distribution at times spotty. The binding, simple and elegant in its way, makes this a very attractive specimen, not found in any of the standard reference books or union catalogues. The earliest imprint recorded from the University of Bologna Press as listed in the ICCU (Italian Union Catalogue) is 1804. This type specimen book is not listed in the ICCU, OCLC, or NUC. . (Inventory #: 1385)
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