In 1995, John Carrera found a century-old copy of Webster’s Dictionary. Enthralled by the engraved images illustrating the dictionary, he devoted the next decade-plus to making what you might call a “new-old” edition.
First, he tracked down the original metal engravings, which had been donated to Yale University. Then, he went through the 13,000 engraved blocks, selected the ones he wanted, and printed them by hand in a book all their own. The result is the “Pictorial Webster’s.”
But that’s just skimming the story. Watch the video for an in-depth look at the level of care and craftsmanship that went into printing and binding these editions by hand — from setting the metal type to tooling the leather. It’s incredible.
I only wish I had a few thousand dollars to buy an edition for myself.
The good news is that a $35 version is also available through Chronicle Books — same stuff, just not hand-made.
(via Coudal)
That’s $35 US for you Canadian readers. The cover price in Canada is $43.95, but friends of Absurd Intellectual could probably get a better deal if they know who to ask….
Can you get me a discount on the hand-bound editions? Also, wasn’t it cool to see how it was made?