The Zaehnsdorfs (1842-1947) : Craft Bookbinders

Private Libraries Association, Pinner, first edition, 1986. Cloth, 8vo, 26 cm,. 109 pp, numerous ills. From the introduction: "There are few firms of craft bookbinders that can claim an existence of longer than one hundred years. One which can is Zaehnsdorf Limited, founded in 1842 by Joseph Zaehnsdorf. It remained under the direct control of three successive generations of the Zaehnsdorf family for a period exceeding its century; at first under the style of Joseph Zaehnsdorf, and then, as Zaehnsdorf Limited, following its registration as a private limited company in 1913. The company passed from the control of the family in 1947, and, after several changes of name and ownership, it began trading again as Zaehnsdorf Limited, under its present owners, in May 1957. The era when under control of the family presents a convenient and interesting period for study, and together with the three principals concerned, will be considered in the present essay... On the basis of the available records, and articles in contemporary trade periodicals, a few perspectives are here presented on the story of one of the better known firms of English bookbinders. Fine in chipped and browned glassine dustwrapper.