Books and Manuscripts

No place: Printed at the Indian Lithographic Press by W(illiam). Holland, 1832. First and only edition. 8vo. 43, (3) pp. Illustrated with lithographic text and in-text hand-colored lithographs depicting the production of indigo. Original stiff lithographic wrappers, spine perished but binding sound, scattered browning to wrappers; all edges trimmed; ownership signature of John Biddle, on front wrapper; manuscript receipt for John Biddle laid in, "Received April 19th 1830 from John Biddle Forty Rupees..."; light dampstaining along edges of text, scattered edge-wear to same. OCLC 48105233, locates only three copies: The British Library; Phillips Library, Peabody Essex Museum; Yale University Library, Haas Arts Special Collections

A rare treatise on the manufacture of indigo dye. Completely printed in lithography, this illustrated manual features a step-by-step guide on production of indigo dye, from its bundling, pressing and steeping in vats, beating and boiling, to its drying, cutting into cakes, and packing for shipment.

We cannot locate another example in the auction record.

Passed down within the Biddle family and never before offered for sale.