Binding

The Rebinding of the First Editions

The two editions were rebound at some point after 1970. Notable features of the rebound volumes include:

• quarter calf bindings
• marbled paper covering
• gilded lettering along the spine reads, “Ramsay’s American Revolution [volume no.]”.
• The rebinder left a small elephant mark with the year “1970” on the back pastedown.
• There is a faint watermark on the front and back endpapers; the watermark appears to be an open palm, reminiscent of manuscript manicules (without the pointing index finger).

The book binder likely sought to maintain the appearance of the original bindings, since this particular binding was typical of late eighteenth century printing. Eighteenth century binders often half or quarter bound the spine in leather to save on cost. 

No information has yet to be found on the bindery that rebound these volumes. Tisch Library appears to have no record of this transaction.