Robert Desmarais

BOOK REVIEW

Introduction

Book review. Review: H. George Fletcher's 'Judging a Book by Its Cover' explores centuries of bookbindings from the Grolier Club's collection, 1470s–2020.

Abstract

H. George Fletcher, Judging a Book by Its Cover: Bookbindings from the Collections of the Grolier Club, 1470s–2020, New York: The Grolier Club, 2023, 494 p., $195.00 (Cloth) ISBN 9781605830889

Review

H. George Fletcher’s *Judging a Book by Its Cover: Bookbindings from the Collections of the Grolier Club, 1470s–2020*, published by The Grolier Club, emerges as a potentially monumental contribution to the study of the material history of the book. The title itself is an engaging hook, promising a deep dive into the artistry and cultural significance of bookbindings that extends beyond mere aesthetics. With an ambitious chronological scope spanning from the 1470s through to 2020, the volume sets out to provide a comprehensive survey of bookbinding evolution as exemplified by the world-renowned collections of the Grolier Club, a venerable institution synonymous with bibliophily and scholarly excellence. This substantial 494-page work, given its subject matter and publisher, can be confidently anticipated to be a meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated publication. The Grolier Club’s unwavering commitment to the history and arts of the book suggests that Fletcher’s examination will offer detailed analyses of diverse binding styles, techniques, and materials, highlighting significant examples from its celebrated holdings. Such an extensive temporal range implies a thorough exploration of historical development, likely illuminating shifts in design, patronage, and the master craftsmanship that has shaped these often-underappreciated components of historical and contemporary books. Priced at $195.00, this cloth-bound volume is clearly aimed at a discerning audience of bibliophiles, book historians, collectors, conservators, and scholars deeply invested in the decorative and structural elements of book production. It is poised to serve as an authoritative reference work, providing an invaluable resource for understanding the intricate interplay between a book’s cover, its content, its historical context, and its enduring aesthetic appeal. For academic institutions and individual researchers dedicated to the study of the book as an artifact, *Judging a Book by Its Cover* promises to be an essential and visually stunning addition to their libraries.

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