A Tentative List and Work-In-Progress
This list of American books printed on vellum was first constructed by Decherd Turner, former director of the Bridwell Library (SMU) and of the Harry Ransom Center (UT-Austin). Turner also curated the exhibition “One Text, Two Results: Printing on Paper & Vellum” held at the Grolier Club in 1998, and this list continues his longtime interest in books printed on vellum.
The list has been further corrected and augmented by Philip R. Bishop with Decherd Turner’s consent, and is here mounted in hopes that librarians, curators, collectors, and book lovers will assist in its refinement by making corrections, adding copy information, and apprising us of any desiderata. Please send any such additions to Phil Bishop. The list will be updated as new information becomes available. Items not appearing in the main list include small private press keepsakes, broadsides, limited edition portraits or prints, and the broadside citations, appointments, etc., printed by the US government.
For purposes of this Mosher Press website, readers will note that all Mosher entries are highlighted in color. It is a little known fact that Thomas Bird Mosher produced more printed vellum book titles by different authors over a comparative period of time than any other printer or publisher in America (46 titles / 47 volumes). However, in terms of sheer volume (the amount of square feet of vellum used), George D. Sproul’s vellum printings certainly surpass the amount Mosher consumed, and the all time record for volume of printing on vellum most assuredly belongs to the Frederick J. Quinby Company of Boston who, from 1902-04, brought out 10 sets of 48 volumes of Charles Paul de Kock’s writings printed on vellum. Covering 28 titles, this mammoth production lives up to its designated name: the “Bibliomaniac Edition.”
1773
Duché, Jacob. Observations on a Variety of Subjects Literary, Moral and Religious, in a Series of Original Letters, written by a Gentleman of Foreign Extraction, who resided some time in Philadelphia. Revised by a Friend to Whose Hands the Manuscript was Committed for Publication. Philadelphia: Printed by John Dunlap. 1 copy. LC.
1854
Deane, Charles, ed. The First Plymouth Patent: Granted June 1, 1621. Now First Printed from the Original Manuscript. Cambridge [Mass.]: Privately Printed. 4 copies.
1856
Dowse, Thomas. The Will of Thomas Dowse of Cambridgeport. Cambridge [Mass.]: Printed for the Executors. 5 copies.
1859
Allen, George. Novena of Nine Tuesdays in Honor of St. Anthony of Padua. Philadelphia: H. M’Grath. 2 copies.
1861
The Souldier’s Pocket Bible. An Exact Reprint of the Original Edition of 1643, with a Prefatory Note by George Livermore. Cambridge [Mass.]: Printed for Private Distribution. 10 copies 16mo; 3 copies 8vo.
1862
Bay Psalm Book. A Literal Reprint of the Bay Psalm Book, being the Earliest New England Version of the Psalms and the First Book Printed in America. [Imprinted 1640]. Cambridge [Mass.] 1 copy.
1859-63
Allen, George. The Life of Philidor; with a Supplementary Essay on Philidor as Chess-Author and Chess-Player by Tassilo von Heydebrand und der Lasa. Philadelphia: C. Sherman & Sons. 2 copies.
1880
Maberly, Joseph. The Print Collector, an Introduction to the Knowledge for forming a Collection of Ancient Prints. Edited, with Notes … by Robert Hoe, Jr. New York: Printed by De Vinne for Dodd, Mead and Co. 1 copy.
1881
The Colonial Society of America. Instituted New York 1881. [Philadelphia: Wm. F. Fell] 1 copy.
1882
Bell, Robert, ed. Songs from the Dramatists. New York: Dodd, Mead. 1 copy. Bridwell Library, Southern Methodist University.
1883
Keats, John. Letters and Poems. Edited by John Gilmer Speed. [New York: Dodd, Mead; Printed at the De Vinne Press]. 3 volumes. 2 sets = 6 volumes.
1883
[Book Fellow’s Club]. Locker-Lampson, Frederick. London Lyrics. New York: Printed for the Book Fellow’s Club [by De Vinne] 4 copies.
1884
Browning. Elizabeth Barrett. Poetical Works. New York: Dodd, Mead. 5 volumes. 4 sets = 20 volumes.
1884
[Grolier Club]. A Decree of Star Chamber Concerning Printing, made July 11, 1637. Reprinted by the Grolier Club, from the First Edition by Robert Barker. [New York: Press of Theo. L. De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 2 copies.
1884
Pepys, Samuel. Diary and Correspondence of Samuel Pepys, Esq., F.R.S., from his Manuscript Cipher in the Pepsian Library; with a Life and Notes by Richard Lord Braybrooke. Deciphered, with Additional Notes by Rev. Mynors Bright, M.A. New York: Dodd, Mead. 10 volumes. 4 sets = 40 volumes.
1885
[Grolier Club] Rubáiyat of Omar Khayyám, the Astronomer-Poet of Persia. Rendered into English Verse by Edward FitzGerald. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 2 copies.
1885
Kälidäsa. Sákoontgalá, or The Lost Ring, an Indian Drama. Translated into English Prose and Verse from the Sanskrit of Kálidása by Monier Williams. New York: Dodd, Mead; [Printed by De Vinne]. 4 copies.
1885
Sterne, Laurence. A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy, by Mr. Yorick [i.e. L. Sterne. London, 1768]. [New York: Theo. L. De Vinne]. 4 copies.
1886
[Grolier Club] De Vinne, Theodore Law. Historic Printing Types. A Lecture read before the Grolier Club, January 25, 1885; with Additions and New Illustrations. New York: The De Vinne Press. Ransom (Selective) notes 2 copies.
1886
[Grolier Club] Hoe, Robert. A Lecture on Bookbinding as a Fine Art, delivered before the Grolier Club, February 26, 1885, with sixty-three publications. New York: Published by the Grolier Club; [Printed by De Vinne]. 3 copies. The Grolier Club bibliography does not report any vellum copies, but the auction catalogue of the Hoe library records three copies on vellum.
1886
[Grolier Club] Irving, Washington. A History of New York, from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty. A New Edition containing Unpublished Corrections of the Author, with Illustrations by Geo. H. Boughton, Will H. Drake, and Howard Pyle, and Etchings by Henry C. Eno and F. Raubicheck. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 2 volumes. 2 sets = 4 volumes.
1887
Charleston City Council. The Earthquake, 1886 : the City Council of Charleston, South Carolina, to the Executive Relief Committee. Charleston [SC]: City Council, 1887. 15 pages.
Page facing title page reads: “This is one of an edition of fifty copies on hand-made paper, and ten copies on vellum, printed from type, for the City Council of Charleston, South Carolina, in the month of June, 1887.” College of Charleston Libraries, Special Collections’ copy is one of the copies printed on vellum, given to Morris Israel.
1887
[Grolier Club] Reade, Charles. Peg Woffington. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 2 volumes. 2 sets = 4 volumes.
1888
[Grolier Club] De Vinne, Theodore Law. Christopher Plantin, and the Plantin-Moretus Museum at Antwerp; with Illustrations by Joseph Pennell and Others. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1889
[Grolier Club] Matthews, William. Modern Bookbinding Practically Considered. A Lecture Read before the Grolier Club of New York, March 25, 1885; with Additions and New Illustrations. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1889
[Grolier Club] The Philobiblon of Richard de Bury. Edited from the Best Manuscripts and Translated into English with Introduction and Notes by Andrew Fleming West. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 sets = 9 volumes.
1890
Dobson, Austin. Horace Walpole, a Memoir, with an Appendix of Books Printed at the Strawberry Hill Press; with Illustrations by Perry and Leon Moran. New York: Dodd, Mead; [Printed by De Vinne]. 4 copies.
1890
[Grolier Club] Milton, John. Areopagitica: a Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicensed Printing to the Parliament of England. With an Introduction by James Russell Lowell. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1891
[Grolier Club] Curtis, George William. Washington Irving: A Sketch. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1892
[Grolier Club] Conway, Moncure Daniel. Barons of the Potomack and the Rappahannock. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1893
[Grolier Club] Catalogve of Original and Early Editions of some of the Poetical and Prose Works of English Writers from Langland to Wither … New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1893
Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer. [Designed by Daniel Berkeley Updike]. New York: Printed for the Committee [by De Vinne]. 12 copies.
1894
[Grolier Club] Allen, Charles Dexter. A Classified List of Early American Book-plates, with a Brief Description of the Principal Styles and a Note as to the Prominent Engravers, by Charles Dexter Allen. To Accompany an Exhibition at the Grolier Club, October 1894. [New York: The De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) and Poor note 3 copies.
1894
Andrews, William Loring. Among My Books. New York: Printed for William Loring Andrews at the De Vinne Press. Ransom (Selective) notes 2 copies.
1894
[Grolier Club] Facsimile of the Laws and Acts of the General Assembly, for their Majesties Province of New York etc., etc. At New York printed and sold by William Bradford, printer to their majesties King William and Queen Mary, 1694. Together with an Historical Introduction, Notes on the Laws, and Appendices, by Robert Ludlow Fowler, Counsellor-at-Law. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1894
[The Duodecimos] Franklin, Benjamin. Facsimile of Poor Richard’s Almanak for 1733; with an Introduction by John Bigelow. New York: The Duodecimos; [Printed by De Vinne]. 12 copies.
1895
[Grolier Club] The Catalogue of Books from the Libraries or Collections of Celebrated Bibliophiles and Illustrious Persons of the Past, with Arms or Devices upon the Bindings. Exhibited at the Grolier Club in the month of January 1895. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1895
[Grolier Club] A Description of the Early Printed Books Owned by the Grolier Club; with a Brief Account of their Printers and the History of Typography in the Fifteenth Century. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1895
[Grolier Club] Donne, John. The Poems of John Donne, from the Text of the Edition of 1633. Revised by James Russell Lowell, with the Various Readings of the Other Editions of the Seventeenth Century, and with a Preface, an Introduction, and Notes by Charles Eliot Norton. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. 2 volumes. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies = 6 volumes.
1896
[Grolier Club] Catalogue of an Exhibition Illustrative of a Centenary of Artistic Lithography, 1796-1896. At the Grolier Club March the Sixth to March the Twenty-Eighth, 1896. [New York]: The Club [Printed by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies; Poor III-528.
1896
[Grolier Club] Warren, Arthur. The Charles Whittinghams, Printers. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1897
[The Philobiblon Club, Philadelphia] Penn, William. The Excellent Priviledge of Liberty and Property, being a Reprint and Facsimile of the First American Edition of Magna Charta, Printed in 1687 under the Direction of William Penn by William Bradford. Philadelphia: The Philobiblon Club. 5 copies.
1898
[Grolier Club] Carlyle, Thomas. Two Notebooks of Thomas Carlyle, from 23d March, 1822, to 16th May 1832. Edited by Charles Eliot Norton. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1898
[Mosher] The Germ: Thoughts toward Nature in Poetry, Literature and Art. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 132 & p. 65; Hatch 78.
1898
[Mosher] Hay, John. In Praise of Omar; an Address before the Omar Khayyam Club, by the Hon. John Hay. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 171 & p. 65; Hatch 67.
1899
[Grolier Club] Pichon, Jerome Frederic, Baron. The Life of Charles Henry, Count Hoym, Ambassador from Saxony-Poland to France, and Eminent French Bibliophile, 1694-1736. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1899
[Mosher]Omar Khayyám. Rubáiyát … Including Minor Variants of the Fifth and Final Editions. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher and Emilie Grigsby. 10 copies. Bishop 337 & p. 66; Hatch 705.
1899
[Roycroft] Shakespeare, William. The Sonnets of Shakespeare. East Aurora, New York: Roycroft Shop. 12 copies.
1899
[Mosher] Swinburne, Algernon Charles. Laus Veneris: Poems and Ballads. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 190 & p. 66; Hatch 122 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1899
[Mosher] Symonds, John Addington. Wine, Women and Song. Medieval Latin Students Songs. Now First Translated into English Verse, with an Essay. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 439 & p. 66; Hatch 119.
1900
Keats, John. The Eve of St. Agnes. Chicago: Alderbrink Press, Ralph Fletcher Seymour. Ransom notes 4 copies.
1900
[Mosher] Anodos [Mary Elizabeth Coleridge]. Fancy’s Following. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 106 & p. 66; Hatch 154.
1900
Lang, Andrew. Notes and Names in Books. Printed for Henry Kidder Gilbert, Chicago. 5 copies.
1900
[Grolier Club] Boccaccio, Giovani. A Translation of Giovanni Boccaccio’s Life of Dante; with an Introduction and a Note on the Portraits of Dante, by G.R. Carpenter. New York: The Grolier Club. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1900
[Roycroft] Browning, Robert. So Here is the Last Ride. East Aurora, New York: Printed by the Roycrofters. 25 copies.
1900
[Mosher] Buchanan, Robert. The Story of David Gray. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 386 & p. 66; Hatch 144.
1900
[Mosher] Lathrop, George Parsons. The Casket of Opals. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 15 copies. Bishop 56 & p. 66; Hatch 707.
1900
[Mosher] Pater, Walter. Marius the Epicurean: His Sensations and Ideas. Portland, Maine; Thomas Bird Mosher. 2 volumes. 4 sets = 8 volumes. Bishop 231, 232 & p. 66; Hatch 157, 158 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1900
[Mosher] Primavera: Poems, by four Authors. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 311 & p. 66; Hatch 141.
1900
[Mosher] Tombeor Nostre Dame. Our Lady’s Tumbler: a Twelfth Century Legend done out of Old French into English, by Philip H. Wicksteed. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 279 & p. 66; Hatch 140.
1900
[Mosher] Villon, François. The Poems of Master François Villon of Paris. Now First done into English Verse in the Original Forms, with a Biographical and Critical Introduction by John Payne. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 302 & p. 66; Hatch 153.
1901
[Grolier Club] Chevalier au Cygne. The History of Helyas, Knight of the Swan. Translated by Robert Copland from the French Version Published in 1504. A Literal Reprint in the Types of Wynkin de Worde after the Unique Copy. Printed by Him upon Parchment in London, MCCCCCXII. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1901
Morris, William. Svend and His Brethern. Aiken, SC: The Palmetto Press, 1901. Ransom indicates 2 copies.
1901
[Mosher] FitzGerald, Edward. Polonius: A Collection of Wise Saws and Modern Instances. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 306 & p. 66; Hatch 185.
1901
[Mosher] Morris, William. The Pilgrims of Hope: A Poem in XIII Books. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 290 & p. 67; Hatch 195.
1901
[Mosher] Rossetti, Dante Gabriel. The Blessed Damozel. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 47 & p. 67; Hatch 184.
1901
[Sproul] Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. Illuminated by Ross Turner. Saint Dunstan Edition. [Cambridge, Mass.?]: George D. Sproul. 30 copies.
1901
[Mosher] Schwob, Marcel. Mimes with a Prologve and a Epilogve. Done into English by A. Lenalie. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 6 copies. Bishop 242 & p. 66; Hatch 186.
1901
[Sproul] Shakespeare, William. Shakespeare’s Sonnets: in Two Parts. Illuminated by N. Leoni. Saint Dunstan Edition. Arranged and Printed by the University Press. Cambridge, [Mass.?]: George D. Sproul. 2 volumes. 30 sets = 60 volumes.
1901
[Sproul] Spenser, Edmund. Epithalamion. [Cambridge, Mass.?: George D. Sproul?]. 150 copies.
1901
[Mosher] Swinburne, Algernon Charles. Songs before Sunrise. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 364 & p. 66; Hatch 197 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1901
Milton, John. Hymn on the Night of Christ’s Nativity. Germantown, Philadelphia: Selected, printed and published by The Book Lovers’ Guild. [iv], 21, [1] leaves printed on recto side only. Copy #2 of an edition of 310 copies, signed “The Book-Lovers Guild. Illumined by K. McNabb.” All copies printed on vellum?
1901
[Blue Sky] Peattie, Elia W. How Jaques Came into the Forest of Arden: An Impertinence. Chicago: The Blue Sky Press. Illustrations and designs by Enright and Townsend. Ransom notes 3 copies.
1902
[Monk’s Head] The Barkeshire Lady’s Garland: or a Merry Tale of how Cupid conquer’th all. Philadelphia: Prynt’d under the Hands of E.S.P. [Edwin S. Porter], the Monk’s Head. 3 copies.
1902
[Sproul] Browning, Elizabeth Barrett. Sonnets from the Portuguese. Illuminated by D. Formilli. Saint Dunstan Edition. [New York?]: George D. Sproul. 30 copies.
1902
[Sproul] Dante, Alighieri. Vita Nuova. Translated by Daniel Gabriel Rossetti. [New York?: George D. Sproul?] 30 copies.
1902-03
[Sproul] Dickens, Charles. Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. Introduction by Percy Fitzgerald. Saint Dunstan Edition. New York; London: George D. Sproul. 3 volumes. 15 sets = 45 volumes.
1902
[Mosher] Dowson, Ernest Christopher. The Poems of Ernest Dowson. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 301 & p. 67; Hatch 213.
1902
[Sproul] Milton, John. Comus. Illustrated by Nestore Leoni. [New York?]: George D. Sproul. 30 copies.
1902
[Grolier Club] One Hundred Books Famous in English Literature. With Facsimiles of the Title-pages and an Introduction by George E. Woodberry. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1902
[Mosher] Pater, Walter. The Renaissance: Studies in Art and Poetry. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 321 & p. 67; Hatch 230 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1902
[Mosher] Swinburne, Algernon Charles. Poems and Ballads. Second & Third Series. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 297 & p. 67; Hatch 228 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1902
[Sproul] Petrarch, Francesco. Sonnets, Triumphs, and other Poems of Petrarch. [New York?: George D. Sproul?] 30 copies.
1902
[Mosher] Rossetti, Dante Gabriel. Poems. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 294 & p. 67; Hatch 229 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1902
[Mosher] Omar Khayyám. Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám; with Preface by Nathan Haskell Dole. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 336 & p. 67; Hatch 226.
1902
[Sproul] Spenser, Edmund. Epithalamion. [New York?: George D. Sproul].
1902
[Mosher] Symonds, John Addington. Fragilia Labilia. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 116 & p. 67; Hatch 224.
1902
[Sproul] Tennyson, Alfred. Guinevere. Illustrated by George D. Sproul. Saint Dunstan Edition. [New York?]: George D. Sproul.
1902
[Sproul] Tennyson, Alfred. The Holy Grail. [New York?]: George D. Sproul.
1902
[Bandar-Log] Ade, George. Handsome Cyril, or the Messenger Boy with the Warm Feet. The Strenuous Lad’s Library, Number 1. Ashville, NC: The Bandar-Log Press. Ransom indicates 2 copies.
1902-1904
Kock, Charles Paul de. The Works of Charles Paul de Kock Boston: F.J. Quinby Company, [1902-4]. Bibliomaniac Edition, one of 10 numbered and registered sets on vellum. 48 vols. General introduction by Jules Claretie and translations by Mary Hanford Ford, Edith M. Norris, and Arthur S. Martin. With many full-page watercolor drawings & etchings, many colored, all on vellum by various artists, including William Glackens & with etchings (some colored) & original drawings by John Sloan; illuminations by Helen Sinclair Patterson & Ella Grace Brown. 48 vols x 10 sets = 480 volumes. ABPC May 3, 2000.
1903
[Sproul] Dickens, Charles. David Copperfield. New Rochelle, NY: George D. Sproul. Illuminated throughout in gold & colors. 2 volumes 15 sets = 30 volumes. ABPC 1998.
1903
Bandello, Matteo. The Goodly History of the True & Constant Love between Rhomeo & Julietta. [Nelson, N.H.]: The Monadock Press. 10 copies.
1903
[Mosher] Henley, William Ernest. In Hospital: Rhymes and Rhythms. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 165 & p. 67; Hatch 261 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1903
[Grolier Club] Kent, Henry Watson, comp. Bibliographical Notes on One Hundred Books Famous in English Literature. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1903
Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth. Evangeline. [Printed by De Vinne for Merrill & Baker]. 26 copies.
1903
Pène du Bois, Henri. American Bookbindings in the Library of Henry William Poor. Described by Henri Pène du Bois; Illustrated in Gold-leaf and Colors by Edward Bierstandt. Jamacia, Queensborough, N.Y.: Printed at the Marion Press; New York: George D. Smith. 3 copies.
1903
[Roycroft] Thoreau, H.D. Friendship. East Aurora, New York: Roycroft Shop. 10 copies.
1903
[Mosher] Rossetti, Dante Gabriel. Ballads & Sonnets. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 16 & p. 67; Hatch 259 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1903
Shakespeare, William. The Merry Wives of Windsor. [Printed by De Vinne for Merrill & Baker]. 7 copies.
1903
[Mosher] Wilde, Oscar. The Poems of Oscar Wilde. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 6 copies. Bishop 304 & p. 67; Hatch 248.
1903
[Mosher] Yeats, William Butler. The Land of Heart’s Desire. Portland, Maine: Thoms Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 186 & p. 67; Hatch 260 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1903
[Mosher] Symons, Arthur. Lyrics. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 227 & p. 67; Hatch 262 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1904
[Grolier Club] Halsey, R.T. Haines. The Boston Port Bill as Pictured by a Contemporary London Cartoonist. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by the Gilliss Press]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1904
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter: a Romance. Literally Reprinted from the First Edition with Fifteen Original Colored Illustrations by A. Rabaudi and C. Graham. Unique Edition. [New York?]: Privately Printed. 1 copy.
1904
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. Twenty Days with Julian and Little Bunny: a Diary. Now First Printed from the Original Manuscripts. New York: Privately Printed [by De Vinne]. 1 copy?
1904
[Mosher] Swinburne, Algernon Charles. Tristram of Lyonese, and Other Poems. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. Two sets of 4 copies each set = 8 copies. Bishop 416 & p. 68; Hatch 295 & p. 40 (Quarto Series).
1904
[Mosher] Swinburne, Algernon Charles. A Song of Italy. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 360 & p. 68; Hatch 297 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1904
[Mosher] Villon, François. Ballads done into English from the French of François Villon. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop Hatch 298 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1904
[Mosher] Wilde, Oscar. The Ballad of Reading Gaol. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 13 & p. 67; Hatch 296 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1904
[Mosher] Wilde, Oscar. Intentions. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 6 copies. Bishop 174 & p. 67; Hatch 286.
1905
[Boston Bibliophile Society] Theocritus. Idylls and Epigrams. Printed by DeVinne. 12 copies.
1905
[Mosher] Burton, Richard. The Kasidah. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 182 & p. 68; Hatch 321.
1905
[Grolier Club] Catalogue of Original and Early Editions of some of the Poetical and Prose Works of English Writers from Wither to Prior; with Collations, Notes, and More than Two Hundred Facsimiles of Title-pages and Frontispieces. New York: Printed for the Grolier Club [by De Vinne]. 3 volumes. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies = 9 volumes.
1905
[Mosher] A Little Garland of Celtic Verse. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 214 & p. 68; Hatch 320 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1905
[Mosher] A Little Garland of Christmas Verse. Portland, Maine: Thoms Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 215 & p. 68; Hatch 331 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1905
[Mosher] Stevenson, Robert Louis. Father Damien. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 4 copies. Bishop 108 & p. 68; Hatch 320.
1905
[Mosher] Whitman, Walt. The Book of Heavenly Death. Complied from Leaves of Grass by Horace Traubel. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 48 & p. 68; Hatch 318.
1906
Petrarch, Francesco. The Triumphs of Francesco Petrarch, Florentine Poet Laureate. Translated by Henry Boyd, with an Introduction by Doctor Guido Biagi. London: Imprinted for J. Murray by the University Press, Cambridge, [Mass.]. 30 copies.
1906
Carman, Bliss. The Princess of the Tower; The Wise Men from the East; and, To the Winged Victory. New York: The Village Press (privately printed by Frederic W. and Bertha M. Goudy for personal distribution). Ransom notes 4 copies.
1906
[Mosher] Rodd, Rennell. Rose Leaf and Apple Leaf. With an Introduction by Oscar Wilde. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 330 & p. 69; Hatch 353.
1906
[Mosher] Watson, Rosamund Marriott Ball. Tares: a Book of Verses. Portland, Maine: Thoms Bird Mosher. 7 copies. Bishop 401 & p. 68; Hatch 358 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1906
[Mosher] Whitman, Walt. Memories of President Lincoln, and other Lyrics of War. Portland, Maine: Thoms Bird Mosher. 7 copies. Bishop 240 & p. 68; Hatch 359 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1907
[Boston Bibliophile Society] Bryant, William Cullen. Unpublished Poems by Bryant and Thoreau. Issued Exclusively for Members of the Bibliophile Society. Boston. 470 copies.
1907
[Mosher] Dowson, Ernest Christopher. Cynara: a Little Book of Verse. Portland, Maine: Thoms Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 78; Hatch 397 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1907
Omar Khayyám. The Rubáiyát. Privately Printed for the Exclusive Use of the Members of the Omar Khayyam Club of America. Needham, Mass.: The Rosemary Press. 1 copy.
1907
[Mosher] Tynan, Katharine. A Little Book of XXIV Carols. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 213 & p. 69; Hatch 398 & p. 41 (Lyric Garland Series).
1908
[Boston Bibliophile Society] Keats, John. John Keats Unpublished Poem to his Sister Fanny, April 1818. Boston: Printed for Members Only, The Bibliophile Society. 489 copies.
1909
Rojas, Fernando de. Celestina. [Burgos: Fadrique Alemán de Basilae, 1499]. [New York: Printed for Archer M. Huntington], De Vinne Press. 2 copies.
1910
[Boston Bibliophile Society] Dickens, Charles. The Dickens-Kolle Letters. Edited by Harry B. Smith. Boston: Printed for Members Only, The Bibliophile Society. A few copies on vellum.
1910
Synge, J.M. Deidre of the Sorrows. Printed for John Quinn. Quinn auction catalogue, lot 9983 describes it as “one of 5 copies printed on vellum” – maybe Japan vellum?
1910
[A.S.W. Rosenbach] Widener, Harry Elkins. A Catalogue of Some of the More Important Books, Manuscripts and Drawings in the Library of Harry Elkins Widener. Philadelphia: Privately Printed [by the Firm of Edward Stern]. 2 copies.
1911
Carman, Bliss. A Painter’s Holiday. Privately printed for Frederic Fairchild Sherman. Some sheets printed on vellum, but may never have been bound.
1912
[Davis, Richard Harding] The Circumnavigators’ Club. [N.Y.: Privately Printed] 1 copy.
1912
Gallatin, Albert Eugene. A Fifteenth-Century Mazer. New York: De Vinne Press. 1 copy.
1912
[Grolier Club] Mabie, Hamilton Wright. The Writers of Knickerbocker New York. Illustrations Engraved by Walworth Stilson. New York: Grolier Club of the City of New York; [Printed by De Vinne]. Ransom (Selective) notes 3 copies.
1912
[Mosher] Whitman, Walt. Memories of President Lincoln. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 10 copies. Bishop 239 & p. 69; Hatch 559.
1912
Mather, Frank Jewitt, Jr. Homer Martin: Poet in Landscape. New York: Privately printed by Frederic Fairchild Sherman. 7 copies.
1913
[Mosher] Cicero, Marcus Tullius. De Amicitia. Translated with notes by Andrew P. Peabody. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 1 copy. Bishop 82 & p. 69; Hatch 727.
1913
[Mosher] Songs of Adieu: a Little Book of Finale and Farewell. Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher. 5 copies. Bishop 367 & p. 69; Hatch 585.
1919
[Village Press] The Song of Songs Which is Solomon’s. Forest Hills Garden, N.Y.: Printed by Frederic and Bertha Goudy at the Village Press. Ransom notes 1 copy.
1920
Stevenson, Robert Louis. Diogenes in London, as written by Robert Louis Stevenson, and Printed for the First Time from the Original Manuscript. San Francisco: Edwin & Robert Grabhorn for John Howell. Ransom notes 5 copies.
1921
James, Henry. Notes and Reviews. With a Preface by Pierre de Chaignon la Rose; a Series of Twenty-five Papers. Hitherto Unpublished in Book Form. Cambridge, Mass.: Dunster House. 1 copy? Listed in no. 4792 Quinn auction.
1921
Stevenson, Robert Louis. Diogenes at the Savile Club. Printed for Private Circulation from the Hitherto Unpublished Manuscript, for David G. Joyce, in the Month of June, MCMXXI. Chicago: F.M. Morris. 5 copies.
1925
Brooks, Rupert. Rupert Brooks: Fragments Now First Collected... Hartford: Press of Fri. Brothers. 5 copies.
1926
Flanner, Hildegarde. That Endeth Never: A Gift, Christmas 1921. Pittsburgh: The Laboratory Press. Decorations and composition by Porter Garnett; presswork by Joseph Arnold Foster and George Earl Sheer. Ransom notes 3 copies.
1928
Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer. Printed for the Commission. [Boston: Printed by D.B. Updike, The Merrymount Press]. 12 copies.
1930
Meagher, Maude. Six Sonnets. San Francisco: Grabhorn Press. 10 copies.
1930
Cobden-Sanderson, T.J. Ideal Book or Book Beautiful. Printed on the occasion of the visit of George W. Jones and William Edwin Dudge. . . October 29, 1930. . . San Francisco. 10 copies.
1931
Braithwaite, William Stanley, ed. Our Lady’s Choir: a Contemporary Anthology of Verse by Catholic Sisters. Edited by William Stanley Braithwaite; with a Foreword by the Rev. Hugh Francis Blunt and an Introduction by Ralph Adams Cram, Litt.D. Boston: [Printed by Southworth Press] for Bruce Humphries. 25 copies.
1931
Mark Twain. Be Good, Be Good: a Poem. New York: Privately Printed. 10-12 copies.
1934
Jeffers, Robinson. Return, Unpublished Poem. San Francisco: The Grabhorn Press for Gelber Lillienthal. 3 copies.
1934
Newman, John Henry, Cardinal. The Definition of a Gentleman. San Francisco: F.S. Walter; [Printed for Mrs. John Walter by the Grabhorn Press]. 1 copy.
1935
Shakespeare, William. Original Leaves from the First Four Folios of the Plays of William Shakespeare; with an Introductory Essay by Edwin Elliott Wiloughby. San Francisco: The Grabhorn Press for D. Magee. 8 copies.
1938
Holmes, John Haynes. A Prayer for a Wedding. New York: Press of the Woolly Whale, 1938. Octavo, [8] ff., One of “a few copies printed.” Initials in gold. The title and each of the five pages of text are bordered with a double flowering vine by George W. Van Vechten, Jr., hand-colored and with gold highlights. Bound in white leather, titled and ruled in gilt, with vellum doublures and flyleaves. Slipcase trimmed in matching leather.
1939
Wood, Charles Erskine Scott. Sonnets to Sappho. San Francisco: Printed by E. and R. Grabhorn for C.E.S. Wood, Los Gatos, Calif. 2 copies.
1941
Macaulay, Thomas Babington, Baron. “On the Durability of American Institutions,” a Letter, Written in 1857 by Lord Macaulay. San Francisco: Printed by the Grabhorn Press for Florence Walter. 1 copy.
1954
San Francisco Browning Society. “This I Believe,” Script of Mrs. M.C. Sloss, Released February 13, 1954, K.C.B.S., Repeat Release March 15, 11:55 p.m. San Francisco: Printed by the Grabhorn Press for the San Francisco Browning Society. 1 copy.
1983
Auden, W.H. Five Poems. With a Foreword by Edward Mendelson. [The Design, Hand Composition and Presswork were done by Richard Bigus]. Cedar Falls, Iowa: Labyrinth Editions. 12 copies.
1984
The Mystique of Vellum, Containing an Introduction by Decherd Turner, and a Historical Essay on Vellum Printed Books by Colin Franklin along with a Manual to Printing Letterpress on Vellum and Parchment by Richard Bigus that’s Edited by Lester Ferriss. [Designed and Printed by Richard Bigus]. Boston: Published by Anne and David Bromer. 13 copies.
1985
Thomas, Peter. A History of the Tree Keeper’s Wisdom. Santa Cruz. 19 copies.
1986
[Petrarch Press] The Gospel According to Thomas. [Translated from the Coptic by A. Guillaumont . . . et al]. [Oregon House, CA]: The Petrarch Press. 10 copies.
1986
Aesop. An Aesop’s Fable: The Old Man and Death. Retold by Peter Thomas. Santa Cruz: Peter & Donna Thomas. 25 copies.
1987
Everson, William. The Poet is Dead, a Memorial for Robinson Jeffers. Santa Cruz, [CA]: Good Book Press; [Peter and Donna Thomas, Printers]. 3 copies.
1987
[Petrarch Press] Rilke, Rainer Maria. Duino Elegies. New York: Petrarch Press. 10 copies.
1988
[Petrarch Press] Marcus Aurelius. Look Within: Selections from the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. New York: Petrarch Press. 2 copies.
1989
[Petrarch Press] Enchiridion. [Translation from the Original Greek by Elizabeth Carter]. New York: Petrarch Press. 8 copies.
1989
Bible. Love & Corinthians. Santa Cruz: Peter Thomas. 32 copies.
1990
[Petrarch Press] Petrarch, Francesco. The Ascent of Mount Ventoux, a letter, from Petrarch. [Translation by James Harvey Robinson, John DePol, Wood Engraving]. New York: Petrarch Press. 10 copies.
1990
[Petrarch Press] Shakespeare, William. The Sonnets of William Shakespeare. New York: Petrarch Press. 14 copies.
1992
[Petrarch Press] Whitman, Walt. Song of Myself. New York: Petrarch Press. 20 copies.
1994
Thomas, Peter. A Story of Life. Santa Cruz: Peter Thomas. 10 copies.
1997
Vonnegut, Kurt. Pandora’s Box. Santa Cruz: Peter Thomas. 1 copy.
2001
Morris, William. The Story of the Unknown Church. Baltimore, MD.: The Hill Press, 2001. “An alternate version to be printed on Sheepskin parchment …” Number of copies not yet known.
Bibliography
Bishop, Philip R. Thomas Bird Mosher : Pirate Prince of Publishers–A Comprehensive Bibliography and Source Guide to The Mosher Books Reflecting England’s National Literature and Design. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press; London: The British Library, 1998.
The Grolier Club 1884-1984: Its Library, Exhibitions & Publications. New York, 1984.
Hatch, Benton L., comp. and ed. A Check List of the Publications of Thomas Bird Mosher of Portland, Maine MDCCCXCI [to] MDCCCCXXIII and with a Biographical Essay by Ray Nash. Printed at the Gehenna Press for the University of Massachusetts Press, 1966.
Library of the late Thomas Bird Mosher and Examples of his own Publications – Many Printed on Vellum. Part One May 10-11. New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, 1948.
Ransom, Will. Private Presses and their Books. New York: R.R. Bowker, 1929. Reprinted: New York: Philip C. Duschnes, 1963; reprinted: New York: AMS Press, 1976; reprinted: New York: James Cummins Bookseller, 1992.
Ransom, Will. Selective Check Lists of Press Books. A Compilation Of All Important & Significant Private Presses, Or Press Books Which Are Collected. New York: Philip C. Duschnes, 1945-1950. Reprinted: New York: Philip C. Duschnes. 1963; reprinted: New York: James Cummins Bookseller, 1992.
(ABPC) American Book Prices Current. CD ROM version covering years 1975-2001.
Ancillary Selections not Part of the Books on Vellum List
1892
[Episcopal Church] The Office for the Laying of the Corner-Stone of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in the City and Diocese of New York by the Right Reverend Henry Codman Potter, Bishop. New York; Diocese of New York [by De Vinne]. [12] pages. This title is referenced in footnote 369 in Thomas and Amy Larremore’s The Marion Press as evidence of Frank Hopkins’s experience in working with vellum while at De Vinne. Two copies are located at the Christoph Keller, Jr. Library, General Theological Library. Number of copies unknown.
1912
Fowler, H. Alfred. Ex Libran. Vol. I, No.1-4. Kansas City, Mo., H.A. Fowler. Two copies.
1916
[Village Press] An Appreciation: To Professor Samuel A. Baldwin. Music by William Strode. Ransom notes only 1 copy, and “a copy which was really a trial proof.”
1927
An Appreciation of Ira Marks Younker, 1926, by the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City. New York: Printed for the Federation by Pynson Printers. Ransom (Selective) notes 1 copy. [title page & 3 unnumbered leaves]
1927
Henry Morgenthau, New York, MCMXXVI, by the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City. New York: Printed for the Federation by Pynson Printers. Ransom (Selective) notes 1 copy. [title page, limitation page, and 2 unnumbered leaves]
1931
A Tribute to John I. Walter, September 1870-March 1930. San Francisco: [Printed for Florence Walter by the Grabhorn Press]. 1 copy.
1931
An Appreciation of George Blumenthal, by the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City. New York: Printed for the Federation by Pynson Printers. Ransom (Selective) notes 1 copy. [title page, limitation page, and 2 unnumbered leaves]
1931
An Appreciation of Samuel Leidesdorf, by the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City. New York: Printed for the Federation by Pynson Printers. Ransom (Selective) notes 1 copy. [title page, limitation page, and 2 unnumbered leaves]