Anton Prokopev

Ex Libris

Boekkunst En Grafiek

Boekkunst En Grafiek, Jan Poortenaar, 1930s

This book from just under a century ago describes the technological and aesthetic state of typography, and emphasises fundamentals and heredity. It can be seen that the layouts and typefaces described in this book, as well as the compositional and artistic techniques, have not lost anything over time.

Cloth binding, 204 pages

Long ago, writing was rare and regarded as very special. Only a few people, such as priests, knew how to read and write, and they treated this skill as a closely guarded secret. To them, writing was almost magical, communicating with the gods or recording important stories and laws.


Then, the printing press was invented, which changed everything. It allowed books to be produced quickly and in large numbers, making them accessible to many more people. Imagine having a unique toy that no one else had, but suddenly, everyone could have it, too.


Writing, once rare and enchanted, became widespread and ordinary. Although this made writing less unique, it was beneficial because it enabled everyone to share stories and knowledge.

Ex Libris: Chr Van Der Straaten

Ex Libris: Chr Van Der Straaten

Pegasus, harp, sheet music, books and palette — the little things that adorn the life of every Dutchman.

Pegasus, harp, sheet music, books and palette — the little things that adorn the life of every Dutchman.

Title Page

Title Page

Page 15, 'Dubbelde Kapitalen'

Page 15, 'Dubbelde Kapitalen'

Page 60, Ponte Littorio

Page 60, Ponte Littorio

was a French Renaissance humanist and book printer and publisher who resided and worked in Antwerp

Christoffel Plantin, 1520–1589

was a French Renaissance humanist and book printer and publisher who resided and worked in Antwerp

Christoffel Plantin, 1520–1589

Page 73

Page 73

Page 106

Page 106

A.A.M. Stols

A.A.M. Stols

A.A.M. Stols

From illustrations

Arthur Van Schendel, Fratilamur

From illustrations

Arthur Van Schendel

From illustrations

From illustrations

From illustrations

From illustrations

From illustrations

Plato

From illustrations

Caslon

From illustrations

From illustrations

From illustrations

Bifur, Deberny Peignot

From illustrations

Pinocchio

From illustrations

Ovide, Les Metamorphoses,1934

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks