The Romance of Greeting Cards: An Historical Account of the Origin, Evolution and Development of Christmas Cards, Valentines and Other Forms of Greeting Cards from the Earliest Days to the Present Time. [Signed by the Author]

Kansas, MO: Rust Craft Publishers, 1956 Book. Near Fine. Hardcover. New Edition. Large Octavo. Large 8vo. x, 252 (2) pp, illus. Edited by James D. Chamberlain with an Introduction by Stephen Q. Shannon. Decorations adapted from Kate Greenaway Designs: New Edition, 1956. Signed by the Author on ffep. Price clipped. 1/8" to 1/4" chip along top edge spine dj with two 2 1/4" closed tears to bottom edge front panel with two creases to same. Faintly age-toned, else, Pristine, no wear. No markings, tight binding, clean, white and bright. 6.25" x 9.25". Decorative gilt-cloth with black lettering to front board and spine. Illustrated dj in acetate protector. "The Rust Craft Greeting Card Company was an American greeting card, printing company. It produced what is believed to be the first Christmas card. The company was founded in a bookstore in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1906 by its owner, Fred Winslow Rust. The first Christmas card was printed on heavy tan paper and included a brief message in two colors. The success of the Christmas card grew into a business letters, postcards, and greeting cards with envelopes. Rust revolutionized the use of the "French Fold," which turned a single piece of paper into a card by folding it into quarters. They were the first company to sell greeting cards with a fitted envelope.".