Early Private Presses 1730-1900, by David Chambers
This is the first comprehensive study of the private presses in the British Isles that were active in the 18th and 19th centuries. In two volumes: Vol. 1 The Presses, c 300 pp, 75 illus. Vol 2: Bibliography, c. 300 pp. Cloth boards, imperial octavo.
Both volumes will be issued as the free member book for the two years 2017 & 2018 combined. (To be included in the distribution of free copies of this standard edition, the PLA membership subscription must be paid for both years.) It is priced at £80 for both volumes, trade discount 25%. Special editions also available, 30 copies, both volumes bound in full morocco, in slip cases, with selected original leaves taken from 14 volumes of the presses concerned, price about £750. A further 70 copies will be issued with both volumes bound in quarter morocco, in slip cases, with original leaves from the same volumes, price about £375. 25% discount to PLA members or the trade. Postage extra. Join today and receive for free or reserve your copy using our order form. If you would like the prospectus pdf emailed to you, please send us a request using the contact form. The book description is on the publications books page.
Update: 'Early Private Presses' took somewhat longer to prepare than anticipated, and was eventually published during 2025. The standard two volume work is available free to qualifying members, and can be purchased by all others. The special editions have not been published. RM July 2025
Spencer Stuart: an update Members will remember that in early May 2026, Spencer Stuart spoke to us on Zoom about the book-related services he offers, and later in May there was a follow-up in-person meeting at Bryars & Bryars (in Cecil Court, London) by kind invitation of Tim Bryars. Spencer sums up his approach: "From examining the technological and economic changes to the book trade and auction arena, and comparing with the current experience for collectors actively building their libraries, I can demonstrate that the passion for collecting is alive and well, but (more than a quarter of the way into the Century) traditional models for developing collections, both privately and institutionally, are no longer common practice. These changes have impacted emerging collectors concerning how they set out and define their collecting focus, as well as mature collectors looking to plan the future of their existing collections. In my writings, I explore many topics that are current in the Wold of Collecting, and I invite you to stay in touch with current developments, and contact me directly with any inquiries about how I might help you with any aspects of your collection. I give you a link below to my current book, and at the foot of that page you will find my contact details." Link to order Spencer's book: https://spencerwstuart.ca/book/ Bryar & Bryar's Bookshop in Cecil Court where Spencer Stuart's talk took place
A splendid telling of the long story about the bindings of books
Learn How To Make A Sketchbook Tutor: Sam Treadaway When: Saturday 20th June, 2026, 10am-3pm Where: The Bookery, 21 High Street, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3AH Full fee: £70.00 (Benefit/Low Wage £60.00) To book, click: HERE
Small Presses In the Rocky Mountains West By Richard L Hardesty
Tracing Frankenstein: Editions, Performances, and Inspired Fictions By Mattias Tornquist
21st Century Collecting A talk for members of the Private Libraries Association and anyone else interested in books and book collecting Spencer W Stuart shares the low-down on what is happening in the book-collecting world in an online talk at 6pm (BST) on Tuesday 12th May 2026