The Natural History of Fishes

The Natural History of Fishes, particularly their structure and economical uses by J. S. Bushnan, Edinburgh: W. H. Lizars, 1840.

collection of the Clark Art Institute library

Limp binding based on the non-adhesive “clip-on cover” structure. Text block sewn long stitch into Griffin Mill wrapper, covered in case of parchment processed by the binder: lake trout, Atlantic salmon, striped bass, and mahi mahi. Title stamped in 23 kt gold foil onto vellum label. Parchment pieces joined with teal silk thread, text block sewn with matching linen thread. Ruscombe Mill endpapers. Bound 2021.

6.75 x 4.5 x 1.75"
17 x 11 x 4 cm

I channeled much of my COVID restlessness into fish shopping; processing fish parchment; searching for small, fish-themed antiquarian books; and exploring modest, conservation-friendly structures to wed these activities. This volume from a mid 19th century natural history series includes 32 hand-colored plates of fish in vaguely whimsical environments.