Illustrated Natural History

Illustrated Natural History of the most remarkable Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Serpents, Reptiles and Insects. Abridged and improved from the works of Mrs. Mary Trimmer and others. Particularly designed for youth in the United States. Boston: S.G. Simpkins, and Philips and Sampson, 1851.

Collection of UC Santa Barbara

Spine of tea-dyed sockeye salmon parchment processed by the binder. Boards of laminated Fabriano Murillo paper covered with cow stomach, sewn with matching colored thread. Binding based on Jen Lindsay’s “fundamental” or “simplified-simplified” binding structure: boards glued onto the flange of a separate spine piece that the cords (made by the binder) have been laced through. Paper label with calligraphy by Beth Lee. Caps colored with acrylic. Ruscombe Mill endpapers. Bound 2020

6.5 x 4.5 x .75”
16.5 x 11 x 2 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. The design is inspired by a small volume in my collection with a handwritten paper label and marbled boards.